Project Overview: Building a Resilient Southwest Detroit
This initiative, funded by the Kresge Climate Change, Health & Equity (CCHE) initiative, addresses climate change and protects resident health in areas disproportionately affected by extreme heat, flooding, and pollution. We are working to strengthen a unified movement for climate justice through community-driven solutions.
Our Three Core Strategies
The project is divided into “Tracks” designed to provide immediate relief and long-term advocacy for residents:
- Youth & Climate Ambassadors: Developing intergenerational leadership. Youth and adults collaborate to create climate education and share community stories to move the social and political landscape.
- Resident Home & Environment Mitigation: Providing direct improvements to local living conditions.
- Home Upgrades: Installing AC units, air filtration, and weatherization for 60 homes.
- Green Canopy: Planting 50–100 trees to reduce heat, flooding, noise, and pollution.
- Health Provider & Patient Education: Training healthcare staff at the CHASS Center on the connections between environmental health and chronic disease. This ensures patients receive better informed treatment and protective health advice.
A Collaborative Community Effort
This project is powered by a coalition of dedicated local organizations:
| Organization | Key Role |
| Southwest Detroit Community Benefits Coalition | Project coordination, contractor management, bilingual outreach |
| Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation | Fiduciary & fiscal oversight, youth leadership development, Climate Ambassadors |
| Urban Neighborhood Initiatives | Youth leadership development, Climate Ambassadors |
| Congress of Communities | Youth leadership development, Climate Ambassadors |
| The Greening of Detroit | Tree planting, maintenance, and education |
| EcoWorks | Home mitigation and energy efficiency upgrades |
| CHASS Center | Provider training, patient education, community health events |
| University of Michigan / CAPHE | Educational support and technical assistance |
Building on Past Wins
We continue to advocate for the health of our neighborhoods, building on previous community victories:
- $65M secured in community benefits, including home repairs.
- The implementation of a New Fugitive Dust Ordinance to protect air quality.
- Ongoing Truck Route Restrictions to reduce local industrial traffic.
Project Timeline
Year 1: Recruiting homes for mitigation, beginning Ambassador training, and launching initial tree plantings.
Year 2: Expanding education strategies and conducting project evaluations.
Year 3: Completing the goal of 60 total home mitigations and 100 total tree engagements.
