MyHometown
I’ve been fortunate recently to do some writing for a very cool project known as MyHometown. It’s a program that targets aging and under-loved neighborhoods with the objective of breathing new life into them so families will want to move in, stay and contribute to a thriving community.
It’s accomplished by improving landscapes, refurbishing homes and buildings, and enhancing educational opportunities through active Community Resource Centers, thereby lifting lives and inspiring new growth.
Originally conceived by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, MyHometown is now a cooperative partnership with other faith groups, local governments, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, community-minded businesses and others.
Utah volunteers are plentiful, accessible and willing.
It’s a feel-good thing for me, because I get to write about something that really helps people and makes a difference in the community. There are no hidden agendas or ulterior motives. Just neighbors helping neighbors.
MyHometown is simply neighbors helping neighbors.
There are three key components to MyHometown:
- Days of Service: MyHometown leaders' partner with community residents and volunteers
at large group
events to re-landscape yards and parks, refurbish homes. address code violations and more. It’s not
uncommon to do 10-15 projects on a single day and to repeat it 6 days each year. - Community Resource Centers: This core program uses church meetinghouses or other public
buildings to
provide ongoing year-round educational opportunities. Weekly classes often include English as a second
language, computer literacy, children’s literacy and life skills development, piano, art, financial
management, after-school tutoring, driver’s license preparation, health practices, and other topics. - Partnering with local schools to aid in literacy and other academic achievement through
programs like
Leader In Me.
Community Resource Centers offer weekly classes on many topics.
MyHometown started with a single project in West Valley City in 2015. There are now 11 neighborhoods from Provo to Ogden, with two areas being added this summer. New neighborhoods are identified as MyHometown leaders, residents, local governments, volunteers and community businesses talk to one another and initiate action plans. It really comes down to neighbors looking out for neighbors with a desire to help and serve. To my way of thinking, much of the success of MyHometown is the result of the strong culture of love and service that exists in Utah. The volunteer base is large, willing, and responsive.
Smiles come naturally at MyHometown Days of Service
MyHometown's success can be measured by the number of home service projects undertaken, the number of people attending CRC classes, and the number of volunteers or participants in an activity as in this snapshot from 2023.
But that’s only part of the story about what is happening in the community. MyHometown also provides real life experiences that residents can learn and benefit from. With this knowledge and experience, residents can then continue to improve their own homes and neighborhoods, creating a more desirable place to live and serve. It’s a successful outcome that bodes well for the future of Utah’s communities. And it means I get to write more success stories.
If you want to know more about MyHometown and how you can be involved, check out their website.