Allentown celebrates Valentine's Day with grant program to revitalize neighborhoods

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The city has chosen Valentine's Day to announce a neighborhood revitalization initiative.

That seems appropriate, because the program is called Love Your Block Mini-Grant, and it’s designed to bring communities together and fund resident-led neighborhood revitalization.

Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk’s office will select projects to fund and give $500 to $5,000 in resources.

For its launch, the program will focus on Franklin Park, between 10th and 17th Streets, as well as Hamilton and Liberty Streets.

Turek said that through the partnership, the city is putting resources directly into the hands of people who have interest in making the community better.

“We’re confident that our neighbors have some ideas about what could make Franklin Park really shine, and we want to empower them to make those investments,” Turek said.

Projects eligible for funding include, but are not limited to, trash clean-ups and litter prevention initiatives, community garden installations and beautification efforts, small facade improvement projects, and other volunteer-led projects.

Allentown Communications Director Genesis Ortega said Franklin Park residents and community groups can submit proposals for projects such as “beautifying public spaces, sprucing up small facades and strengthening neighborhood bonds.”

Applications opened Friday, Feb. 14, and close on April 4. Apply on the Allentown Love Your Block website.

'Excited to partner'

Love Your Blockis a national grant program that funds projects across the United States to enable residents to design, develop and deliver initiatives that improve their communities.

It’s supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, a philanthropic organization working with mayors of cities around the world.

Amanda Daflos, executive director of the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at John Hopkins University, said each Love Your Block city helps demonstrate the ability to center resident voices.

“We are excited to partner with The City of Allentown to build on the successful legacy of support from Bloomberg Philanthropies and Cities of Service," Daflos said.

"And accelerate their efforts to partner with community to drive local impact through funding, staff support, and the innovation expertise to help sustain resident-led change."

Avery Daniels, a Love Your Block fellow, said the program is going to make it easy to turn residents' ideas into reality.

“Whether you’re ready to go, or just feeling inspired, we’ll connect you with neighbors to make it happen,” Daniels said.

“This Valentine’s Day, we’re encouraging residents to show some love for Franklin Park by pitching their best ideas for improving their neighborhood.”