Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses

Seven Hills is an organization deeply entrenched in the community and staff Emma Norbut, dedicated Community Engagement Director for one year; Ashley Gibbs, a recent addition of Real Estate Manager to the team; and Alexis Kidd, Executive Director and stalwart for over two decades, each brought a unique perspective. 

Our conversation with Alexis began with a simple question: Why the West End? Alexis's response shared a sentiment of belonging and determination. "When I came to Cincinnati, people looked the other way, looked at you crazy... But then when I came to the West End, I liked that it was more familiar, almost more family-oriented and focused."

As the discussion unfolded, Alexis spoke passionately about her commitment to preserving the values and people in the West End. "I feel like there are values and people here that are worth standing up for, and worth showing up for."

The West End has not been without its challenges. LISC's report reveals a staggering 68% increase in housing prices since 2015, signaling a rapid transformation that has not gone unnoticed by the community.

Our conversation then shifted toward the various projects that Neighborhood Houses has undertaken to address the evolving landscape. The West End Affordable Apartments project, in partnership with The Port, aims to rehabilitate blighted buildings, offering 14 affordable apartment units and two storefronts. Additionally, the Freeman Avenue project and initiatives on Linn and Colerain St. are endeavors to create affordable living spaces amidst the rising market rates.

About the project on Linn and Colerain St, Ashley said that they hope to work on the storefronts down here in the neighborhood. They would like to revitalize the Business District and want to bring in financial literacy programs for emerging business partners. Ashley mentioned that they are exploring financial literacy programs for businesses offered by other CDCs to utilize in the West End for upcoming businesses. Through this program, they will poll potential partners and base NH’s version of the program on business-specific needs or interests. 

“We plan to bring it down here and expand to offer it beyond that geography.  As one of HomeBase's partners, we would love to lean on them in terms of their expertise and help us fill those storefronts. We do have some financial literacy training down here, but not for business.  It's just generally done for youth and then some adults in the neighborhood.”

Emma highlighted the concern about rising property taxes, stating, "The less you make, the higher your risk is of displacement." The team recognizes the importance of grant funding to overcome barriers and make impactful changes in the community.

With that, it became clear that The Neighborhood House is not just an organization: it's a lifeline for the West End. The projects they undertake, the partnerships they forge, and the advocacy they champion all contribute to a vision of a resilient, thriving community in the face of change.

In our continued exploration of The Neighborhood Houses' transformative initiatives, two projects stood out not only for their impact but also for the profound vision they represent in the West End's rejuvenation.

First German Reformed Church: A Beacon of Community Renewal

Emma shared a groundbreaking development—The Neighborhood House now has ownership of the historic First German Reformed Church. This monumental step forward is accompanied by a $100,000 grant from the City, a crucial seed fund for the church's stabilization. Collaborating with both the City and Kaiker Development and Construction, a black-owned construction company, the Neighborhood House embarks on a journey to revitalize the church and its surrounding community.

Despite this initial support, the challenges are daunting. The deteriorating infrastructure demands additional funding for a comprehensive restoration. The goal is not merely structural improvement; rather, it envisions the church as the Neighborhood’s cultural hub, housing local art and serving as a dynamic community space and gathering spot. One of the anchors for the space would be the West End Art Gallery. This project aligns with the organization's commitment to preserving the cultural identity of the West End while fostering a sense of belonging and creativity.

Trauma Recovery Center of Cincinnati: Nurturing Healing and Support

Alexis passionately introduced the Trauma Recovery Center of Cincinnati, housed in the rectory next to the church. This center, with its roots dating back to 1942, initially served as a vital service center for marginalized groups (whether they had a history of felonies, someone with mental health issues, LGBTQ community, or elderly minorities, those are frequently folks that are not treated more fairly or equally in certain systems) facing various challenges. Over time, it evolved into a pioneering community-based recovery center, distinguishing itself from the conventional hospital-centric approach.

One of the center's key programs is the Victim for Crime Advocacy Services, which offers court support, assistance with compensation claims, and free counseling services. Alexis emphasized the critical role of these advocates in providing resources and support to help families overcome the repercussions of victimization.

In a groundbreaking move, the Trauma Recovery Center of Cincinnati is set to expand its services in the new year. Alexis outlined plans for providing advocates, intermittent living spaces, and support for those undergoing trauma recovery. The facility includes an ADA-compliant room and additional apartment-style spaces on the third floor for family members. Partnerships with the Neighborhood House will facilitate arrangements for stays, ensuring individuals receive the personalized care they need during their recovery journey.

These projects epitomize The Neighborhood Houses' holistic approach—transforming physical spaces into vibrant community hubs and offering essential support systems for individuals navigating the complexities of trauma recovery. As the West End undergoes rapid changes, these initiatives stand as beacons of resilience, preserving the community's history while embracing a future built on inclusivity and healing.

Environmental Project: A Breath of Fresh Air for the West End

The last project mentioned by TNH was an Environmental Project that seeks to infuse the West End with much-needed greenery and environmental sustainability.

Alexis shed light on the stark reality of the West End—concrete dominates the landscape, leaving little room for greenery. The encroachment of the interstate has further limited the space available for nature, creating a concrete jungle that not only exacerbates the heat but also impacts the overall cost of living for residents seeking respite from the sweltering temperatures.

To counteract this, The Neighborhood House is collaborating with Keep Cincinnati Beautiful to introduce more green spaces to the neighborhood. One significant endeavor involves working with the Cincinnati Recreation Commission, Cincinnati Police, and Safe Growth to acquire a lot on the corner of Linn and Livingston. The vision is to transform this long strip, which once housed the toddler playground, into a community gathering space—a green oasis that enhances the neighborhood's curb appeal and serves as a magnet for businesses looking to establish roots in the West End. Its purpose is also to provide a safe, welcoming, flexible community event/gathering space.

The potential park aligns with the community's goals of beautifying Linn Street, the heart of the West End's business district. The aspiration is to transition grey-boxed and vacant/blighted storefronts into white-boxed areas, creating a canvas for potential businesses to thrive. This strategic move not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the district but also opens doors for economic growth and community development.

As the West End grapples with the challenges posed by urbanization, this environmental project represents a holistic approach—one that recognizes the importance of green spaces in fostering a healthier, more livable community. Beyond the physical transformation, it holds the promise of a cooler, greener, and more vibrant West End, where residents can enjoy the benefits of nature while contributing to the overall resilience and sustainability of their neighborhood.

Overall, in the tapestry of projects and visions laid out by The Neighborhood House, a clear and resounding theme emerges—the commitment to supporting the legacy and black residents who have been the heartbeat of the West End for generations.

Their pursuit of development is not merely about physical transformation but about doing so in a way that uplifts, rather than displaces the established community. The narrative of the West End is one steeped in rich history, a place where people have "lived, loved, and lounged in," as expressed by Alexis. This historical significance is not lost on the organization, and it serves as a guiding principle in their endeavors.

The acknowledgment of the city of Cincinnati's formal apology for the 1948 plan of urban renewal is not just a recognition of past mistakes but a call to action. "Now what?" echoes in the air—a call for tangible steps to ensure history does not repeat itself. In the face of rapid development, the West End's plea is for equitable progress that honors its roots and preserves its unique identity.

The Choice Implementation Grant stands as a testament to this commitment. Collaborating with CMHA, The Neighborhood House envisions revitalizing the Stanley Row towers and the surrounding blocks. The goal is to address the pressing issues of living conditions and create a community where residents can thrive and prosper.

As the West End navigates the complex interplay of history, development, and community, The Neighborhood Houses stands at the forefront, advocating for a future where progress and preservation coexist. The organization's unwavering dedication to an inclusive, vibrant, and resilient West End serves as an inspiration—a beacon lighting the way toward a community that thrives on its past while embracing the possibilities of tomorrow.