The Mid City Redevelopment Alliance (MCRA) has announced the launch of Bring It On Home (BIOH), a new community-driven initiative aimed at transforming underutilized spaces into meaningful places that serve local neighborhoods.
Built around the idea that every block has untapped potential, the program invites residents to nominate spaces in need of improvement – from overgrown lots and unused corners to small parks or even exterior home projects. Selected spaces could be reimagined as community gardens, playgrounds, gathering areas, or beautification projects that enhance daily life for residents.
“This initiative is about more than improving a physical space,” said Executive Director Dexter Jackson. “It’s about strengthening neighborhood pride, encouraging community engagement, and creating places that positively impact the people who live there.”
Residents can participate by submitting either a short video or a written essay describing the space, its current challenges, and a vision for what it could become.
Video submissions, which can be filmed simply on a phone, should be 2–3 minutes long and clearly show the space, explain its current condition, and outline the proposed transformation and its impact on the community. Alternatively, participants may submit a written essay of up to 500 words addressing the same criteria.
All submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on community need, feasibility, clarity of vision, and overall impact. From these entries, two projects will be selected for implementation.
By placing the vision and voice of neighborhood residents at the center of the process, Bring It On Home reflects MCRA’s commitment to grassroots revitalization – empowering communities to take part in shaping the spaces around them.
Residents who believe a space in their neighborhood deserves better are encouraged to apply and help turn possibility into reality.
