Toledo, Ohio

Recipient: Ebeid Neighborhood Promise initiative (Toledo, Ohio)
Partner organization: ProMedica

The 2020 HUD Secretary’s Opportunity and Empowerment Award was awarded to the Ebeid Neighborhood Promise Initiative located in Toledo, Ohio. The jury selected the Ebeid Neighborhood Promise Initiative due to the program’s demonstrated success in effective planning, demonstrated by improved results through innovative practices that promote social equity. The Ebeid Neighborhood Program is a place-based initiative that represents two decades of planning activities that has resulted a shift towards improving the conditions of the UpTown neighborhood. The initiative reflects a 10-year, $50 million dollar commitment to improve health outcomes, provide stable housing, and expand access to educational and employment opportunities.

The ProMedica model envisions a comprehensive approach to planning that centers on the social determinants of health (SDOH). The organization and its partners instituted a series of signature programs meant to empower residents by improving access to quality housing, health care, job training and employment opportunities, education, and small business enterprise. The strategy entailed creating a one-stop “shop” at a facility that offers a range of supportive services for residents seeking opportunities for a better life. The ProMedica Ebeid Institute, pictured above, serves residents by increasing access to healthy food, delivering nutritional education, and offering job training, among other programs and cultural events.

Among its many noted successes, the partnership institute opened Market on the Green, a non-profit co-op that offers a variety of healthy, affordable food options. The market targets area residents for on-site job training. ProMedica and partners expanded access through a mobile market that delivers food to seniors and disabled persons, and offers online ordering, delivery and pick-up. There is also a community garden adjacent to the facility that provides fresh foods for the store. Additionally, ProMedica and its partners leveraged $86.7 million in investment capital for housing at all income levels. To expand and preserve affordable housing, ENP offers loans of up to $7,500 to residents looking to purchase or renovate units in designated Low-Income Housing Tax Credit properties that have reached the end their 15-year compliance period. To combat blight, its community revitalization program incentivizes builders by offering up to $40,000 to renovate vacant properties. A new mixed-income housing development called Village on the Green offers a variety of housing options. Education and training programs are also available onsite and targeted to residents who either work at the grocery co-op or searching for jobs in the medical field. These programs include housing counseling, financial literacy, mentorship and coaching.