the Land Reuse and Environmental Justice Learning Cohort
Meet Our 2024-2025 Participants
The 2024-2025 cohort has begun! We received nearly 70 applications from across the country and selected 10 inspiring organizations to join our inaugural group. This opportunity is open to dedicated individuals representing nonprofits or community organizations serving environmental justice communities interested in exploring how land reuse projects can help meet their community’s needs. We welcome participants from across sectors— housing, public health, recreation, environment, community development, and more! No prior experience is required. What’s essential is your commitment to learn, collaborate, and actively participate in the majority of workshops!
We’re looking forward to seeing how the 2024-2025 cohort’s work progresses, and are honored to support their efforts in strengthening their communities. Read below about the participating members, organizations, and their reflections when asked “What do you love most about the community you work in?”
Centro para la Reconstrucción del Hábitat Inc — Puerto Rico
CRH is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Puerto Rico dedicated exclusively to addressing the problem of blighted and abandoned properties, with a comprehensive cross-sector approach. It conducts collaborative planning activities and promotes the implementation of strategies to transform public nuisances into assets for recovery, community development and long-term resilience.
Groundwork Buffalo — Buffalo, NY
At Groundwork Buffalo, we believe in the power of community to transform urban spaces into thriving, green environments. By working hand in hand with families, youth, and local partners, we create sustainable solutions that reconnect Buffalo with its natural and built infrastructure. Whether it’s planting trees, revitalizing parks, or empowering the next generation of environmental leaders, we are committed to building a greener, healthier future for Greater Buffalo. Together, we can reimagine our city’s landscape and create lasting change that benefits everyone.
Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition — Cleveland, Oh
We work to create equity for African Americans by addressing the cumulative impact of racial, economic, environmental and social justice inequities on education, employment, housing and health by working to educate, advocate for and empower the community.
Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles & Watts Rising — Los Angeles, CA
Watts Rising Street Team proceeds in community engagement and assist the community of Watts of events and benefits that are available for the community.
Cultivating Community — portland, me
Cultivating Community grows sustainable communities in the Greater Portland, Maine area by expanding access to healthy, local food; empowering children, youth, and adults to play diverse roles in restoring the local food systems; and modeling, teaching, and advocating for ecological food production. Our Urban Agriculture team manages 11 city community gardens and support 3 urban orchards/food forests, and strives to provide food insecure households with a space to grow culturally familiar food.
SBP — NEW ORLEANS, LA
SBP is a a disaster recovery and resilience non-profit organization working to shrink the time between disaster and recovery. The SBP Resilience and Recovery Fellowship Program exists to serve the needs of small- to medium-sized communities both pre and post disaster. This program aims to: Bolster resilience and streamline recovery process; Identify, access and mobilize Mitigate suffering and loss; and Increase local capacity for small and medium size communities selected based on the FEMA Community Disaster Recovery Zones (CDRZ).
Dutchess County-Poughkeepsie Land Bank — DUCHESS COUNTY, NY
The Dutchess County-Poughkeepsie Land Bank is dedicated to revitalizing neighborhoods by acquiring, rehabbing, and returning vacant, abandoned, and foreclosed properties to productive use. The Land Bank works to stabilize property values, stimulate economic development, and improve the quality of life for residents by transforming blighted properties into affordable housing, commercial spaces, and community assets. Through strategic partnerships with local governments, community organizations, and private developers, the Land Bank addresses blight and revitalizes neighborhoods, making a positive impact on the community.
Florida Food Policy Council & Suncoast Sierra Club — ST. PETERSBURG, FL
The Florida Food Policy Council (FLFPC) is an organization that works to address gaps and affect policy within Florida’s food system through a Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) lens. Our main objective is to aggregate efforts and concerns related to food systems across the state and move the cause of strong, local, and sustainable food systems forward. We create opportunities to collaborate, celebrate, and advance equitable food policies. Suncoast Sierra Club The Suncoast Group is dedicated to preserving Pinellas and Pasco Counties green spaces, maintaining clean water and air, transitioning to sustainable energy, supporting environmentally-conscious leaders, promoting public education and advocacy, and fostering a healthier climate for everyone.
Jacana Inc — Monterey County, CA
Jacana is dedicated to building strong, vibrant communities by providing affordable housing, offering supportive services, workforce training, wealth creation, and engaging in housing policy advocacy. We focus on equity and justice for low-income and justice-impacted individuals in BIPOC communities in Oakland (Alameda County) and Monterey County, California. Jacana’s vision is that these communities will offer quality housing, education, job training, and opportunities, with safe spaces where youth and adults gather, celebrate, play, and dream together. While contributing to the vibrant, interconnected ecosystems we all co-create.
The Land Reuse and Environmental Justice Learning Cohort is led by Groundwork USA and the Center for Creative Land Recycling as a part of Groundwork’s Equitable Development Technical Assistance Program .
