FATE
Poverty, homelessness, deprivation, oppression, unfulfilled elementary needs, widespread hunger, violations of civil liberties and social injustice. A third world country? No. A neighborhood just minutes West of center city Philadelphia, called Haddington. Sustainable Urban Development, Inc. has begun our new approach “F.A.T.E” to tackle poverty in our city’s most underserved neighborhoods.
F
Food, Farming and Fun! Our goal is to educate youth on farming in our urban neighborhoods. We want to renovate once vacant lots into flourishing gardens while giving youth hands-on experience on the ins and outs of gardening. These gardens will be lush with affordable fruits and vegetables, accessible to the neighborhood and of course a healthy source of vitamins and nutrients.
A
Affordable Live/Work Space for Artist! Not only will we create affordable live/work space for artists, but we will keep a percentage of units in each development available to the neighborhood’s most economically distressed individuals. This includes youth aging out of the foster care system, as well as recently homeless families.
T
Job Training and Teaching! We want to train young adults in courses on entrepreneurship, how to start businesses and become contractors. On-the-job training will help convert vacant homes into affordable housing while providing experience for our participants.
E
Early Child Education! We want to provide early education programs, taught by volunteers from Philadelphia’s colleges and universities, that will introduce reading, writing, math, science and creativity through arts for pre-schoolers starting at age 3.