United Housing Partners with University of Memphis to Develop Demonstration Garden

Nonprofit utilizes a Capacity Building Grant from the Strengthening Communities Initiative

 

United Housing, Inc. is excited to share that it is partnering with the University of Memphis Architecture Department to create a NeighborScape Demonstration Garden! The garden was made possible by an $18,000 Capacity Building Grant from the University of Memphis Strengthening Communities Initiative. United Housing received $11,750 and the Architecture and Interior Design Studio, part of the University’s Architecture Department, received $6,250.

“We are excited to partner with the University of Memphis to develop our demonstration garden,” said Tim Bolding, Executive Director at United Housing. “This project has been in the works for some time, and we cannot wait to see it come to fruition in the spring.”

United Housing’s money will be used for social marketing and outreach, curriculum materials, site surveying and a Landscape Consultant. The University’s Architecture and Interior Design Studio, taught by Assistant Professor Jennifer Thompson, will use the money for a Graduate Assistant stipend, research, supplies and a design competition award.

United Housing will design the garden, which will be on its property, in partnership with University of Memphis Architecture Assistant Professor Jennifer Thompson and nine of her students. Additionally, a Garden Advisory Committee, comprised of United Housing’s Homebuyer Education clients, staff and board members, will provide opinions and ideas on the design of the garden.

The design phase officially began on September 18, 2014, and the building phase will take place during the 2015 summer gardening season. Once completed, the garden will provide United Housing Homebuyer Education clients the opportunity to gain advice on plant and vegetable gardening and lawn maintenance.

Each year, Capacity Building Grants are awarded to teams consisting of a nonprofit community organization and University of Memphis faculty and students, who collaboratively implement innovative neighborhood-based projects that address either economic development, education, health, housing, transportation or safety issues.

About Strengthening Communities Initiative

The Strengthening Communities Initiative is part of the University of Memphis’ School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy and the Institute for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership. Furthermore, this initiative is supported by the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, United Way of the Mid-South and the Learning by Giving Foundation.