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Community Engagement and Planning

Building a Stronger North End Together Vanguard’s Community Engagement Program empowers residents and stakeholders to actively shape the North End’s future. We serve as an essential resource hub, providing vital information and education that enables meaningful participation in neighborhood development decisions.

Current Initiatives:

E. Grand Blvd. Transformation

Thanks to Knight Foundation funding, we’re revitalizing East Grand Boulevard between Woodward Avenue and I-75. This community-driven project, developed with Know Allegiance Nation and Detroit Mercy’s Detroit Collaborative Design Center, has already delivered significant improvements including new benches, solar charging stations, bike racks, planters, median murals, artistic crosswalks, 83 new trees, and community identification signage. Additional enhancements, including median flowers and planter boxes are designed and maintained by the city of Detroit. 

Community Cabinet

Our quarterly Community Cabinet brings together diverse neighborhood leaders, residents, and business owners who guide Vanguard’s work. Current members include representatives from North End Neighbors Block Club, PBS, Lower North End Association, King Street Block Club, Oakland Avenue Urban Farm, and the North End Safety Patrol.

Health and Housing Prosperity Plan

Supported by the Kresge Foundation, this initiative addresses the crucial connection between housing stability and community health. Through research, awareness campaigns, and expert-led discussions, we’re developing solutions to protect resident well-being during neighborhood changes.

North End Clean and Safe Ambassadors Program

Our seasonal ambassadors maintain vibrant community corridors through regular cleaning and safety initiatives. This program creates part-time employment opportunities while ensuring our public spaces remain welcoming and well-maintained.

Vanguard convenes community groups and block clubs for coordinated clean-up activities.  We are working with the following organizations for 2025 North End Community Wide clean up efforts: 

Alger Street Block Club

Gateway Community Association

Lower North End Association

King Street Block Club

North End Neighbors

Stafford House

Oakland Avenue Urban Farm

If your community group would like to be a part of our coordinated efforts to keep the North End Clean and Safe, please contact me at info@vanguardcdc.org. 

Please visit our website or social media pages for volunteer and employment opportunities.

North End Safety Patrol

Since 2022, Vanguard has served as the North End Safety Patrol Base for the neighborhood.  Our patrol works closely with the Detroit Police Department, 3rd Precinct.  We currently have 10 active volunteers who patrol 3 times per week.  Vanguard currently provides paid training, and drivers are reimbursed for mileage.

If you are interested in joining the North End Safety Patrol, please contact Clarissa Luckett at 313.872.7831 or email cluckett@vanguardcdc.org to complete an application. 

Monthly educational workshops reach over 5,700 North End residents, covering essential topics like tax foreclosure prevention, property purchase opportunities, utility management, and small business guidance. These sessions feature expert speakers and provide practical, actionable information for community members.

Stay Connected Our monthly e-newsletter reaches over 1,200 community members, sharing important updates about Vanguard initiatives, partner activities, and local developments. To subscribe, contact MEdmonds@vanguardcdc.org.

Through these programs, Vanguard continues to promote an informed, engaged, and empowered North End community

Your support helps us build more than just houses—it builds hope, opportunity, and a stronger North End community. Join us in our mission to create a more equitable and vibrant North End by making a tax-deductible donation today.

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