This year, VEJ will launch the Hope Park Neighborhood Land Use and Vision Project. This project will give residents of the Hope Park area the resources, support, and tools they need to design the future of their neighborhood. This includes VEJ’s Hope House & Garden at the south end of Hope Park in Detroit.

Major funding for the project comes from The Kresge Foundation. VEJ is contracting Detroit Collaborate Design Center at the University of Detroit Mercy and Michigan Community Resources to work with Hope Park residents.

Part of the Kresge grant will fund a contract Hope Park Project leader. The project leader will be the ​“face” and ​“voice” of the Hope Park Project. That means he or she will take responsibility for organizing the community to participate in the design process.

​“This is supposed to be a project that is of residents, by residents, for residents,” said VEJ executive director BT Irwin. ​“We’re not asking what VEJ can do for the Hope Park community; we’re trying to listen to what the Hope Park community wants to do for itself. Then we’re trying to come alongside and offer whatever VEJ has to offer to be part of that vision.”

VEJ is looking for a Detroiter with community organization and project leadership experience to head up the Hope Park Project.

“One of the really great things about Detroit is its community organizing ecosystem,” said Irwin. ​“This city is extraordinary at growing leaders who know how to get things done.”

To read the job description and learn how to apply, click here.