Community Development

New homes coming to South Memphis neighborhood in 2018

The first new homes in a generation are coming to the Castalia Heights neighborhood of South Memphis, as Habitat for Humanity's new Cedar Heights preps for installation of neighborhood infrastructure early next year and construction by the summer.

Latest in Community Development
Dr. Stacy Spencer, senior pastor at New Direction Christian Church, is one of the founders of MICAH.
Memphis faith leaders unite to address poverty, education and criminal justice

A Memphis-based organization with ties to President Barack Obama's career as a community activist unites two dozen faith-based groups to further social justice. 

Andrea Morales, On The Ground photographer, instructs a Melrose High student in photo technique.
Four things the On The Ground team learned while reporting in Orange Mound

For the past four months, the On The Ground team of High Ground News has worked alongside residents and stakeholders in Orange Mound as part of an embedded reporting engagement.

Kids start lining up at the home of Deidra Tuggle, the Candy Lady of Orange Mound.
On The Ground Live in Orange Mound

As part of our On The Ground coverage, editor Erica Horton visited with community leaders and stakeholders in Orange Mound. These live interviews show the passion that fuels the neighborhood.

Jimmy Garner raises his hand during the Sunday service at Beulah Baptist. (Andrea Morales)
Keeping the faith: Beulah Baptist Church has served Orange Mound since 1904

Beulah Baptist Church on the corner of Douglass Avenue and Grand Street, is one of the oldest congregations in Orange Mound. While the present building went up in 1927, Beulah was established in 1904 and is considered a community church because of its role hosting meetings, often led by longtime congregant Fred Davis, during the Civil Rights movement.

A view of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church on Carnes Avenue and Boston Street. (Andrea Morales)
Keeping the faith: A tour in photos of Orange Mound’s century-old churches

Orange Mound, one of Memphis' most historic neighborhoods, has the unique distinction of bearing six churches that are over 100 years old.

Tiana Pyles became the new executive director of the Orange Mound Development Corporation in July and has goals to increase awareness about Orange Mound through two large scale festivals within the next two years.
Community developers show that Orange Mound is worth investment

Though they all have their different methods, organizations like the Orange Mound CDC, JUICE, Explore Bike Share, ArtUp and more all have the common goal of investing in the community from within as much as possible by equipping residents with the tools they need for self-revitalization.

Santa visits Orange Mound Outreach Ministries in 2016 during the nonprofit's annual holiday party.
Four ways to give back during the holidays in Orange Mound

Orange Mound residents are gearing up for the holidays by organizing community dinners to feed the needy and collect toys for Christmas. Here are ways you can join their efforts this holiday season or year round.

VIDEO: Orange Mound elders tell their community’s story

"The Orange Mound community is like a family, a close-knit family, handed down from one generation to the other." The Orange Mound Community Service Center is a homebase for many of Orange Mound's seniors. You are guaranteed to find some wonderful characters who believe in their history, the community and the future.

Panelists for Housing in Orange Mound: A Community Conversation (Left to Right): Howard Eddings, Neighborhood Housing Opportunities, Amy Shaftlein, Tennessee Housing Development Agency, Britney Thornton, JUICE Orange Mound, Dwayne Jones, general cont
Past, present, future: Orange Mound residents discuss a need for community development

Discussions spread to the types of housing available in the community with some saying that the housing type isn’t the primary problem, but people not being able to afford to become homeowners is a problem.

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