When Baltimore?s Citizens Planning and Housing Association was formed in 1941, its mission was simple ? build a base of informed people who could work together to improve the quality of life for everyone in the region.
In the 65 years since, the association has been building on that premise, believing strongly that “We don?t leave anyone behind,” Executive Director Michael Sarbanes said.
“We spend a ton of time helping people understand and take seriously the responsibility of being citizens,” he said.
While the association deals with issues that impact housing ? especially affordable housing ? it also focuses with transportation issues, drug treatment and just about anything else that affects the people in Baltimore?s neighborhoods.
Sarbanes also serves as chairman of the Baltimore City Task Force on Inclusionary Zoning and Housing. The organization?s most recent report, “At Home in Baltimore: A Plan for an Inclusive City of Neighborhoods,” will be discussed during a forum Sept. 27 as the Urban Land Institute of Baltimore at the Johns Hopkins Downtown Center.
However, the association doesn?t receive government funding and is not affiliated with the city or state government. Its money comes from its membership, member organizations, supporters and various foundations.
“We?ve been engaged in neighborhood revitalization for the past 11 years intensively,” foundation Executive Director George Kleb said. “CPHA consistently has played a very strong roll in resident engagement and neighborhood organizing. They are on the street constantly.”
It was the association that helped the Bon Secours Foundation find its own voice and pave the way for it and other organizations to do good in the community, Kleb said.
“Their work was the precursor to our involvement,” he said. “They have a very good way of identifying issues and areas that need to have focused attention at a very early stage.”
For example, Kleb said, the association is focusing on expanding the Maryland Transit Authority?s Red Line, which would expand the light rail system from the western suburbs to downtown running along the Route 40 corridor.
Sarbanes said the association is also a “one-stop shop for community-based grassroots groups,” where training, tip sheets and other advice are available.
More information
» Citizens Planning and Housing Association
218 W. Saratoga St., Fifth Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-539-1369
Fax: 410-625-7895
www.cphabaltimore.org
