Building Networks : Communities in Power
leading. caring. creating. being.A holistic approach to environmental health and wellbeing initiatives . . .
Healthy, resilient communities provide environments where people can thrive physically, socially, and economically—even in the face of challenges like climate change, economic instability, or public health crises.
It takes a multidisciplinary effort – an ecosystem of organizations, local government and businesses committed to environmental quality, whole community inclusion, supportive infrastructure, advocacy and policy. and includes the following steps:
Prioritize Communities in Need
Prioritize frontline communities: Identify those affected by systemic disinvestment, pollution, climate risks, or public health disparities.
Engage community voices: Involve residents early and often in planning. Include lived experience in decision-making.
Address root causes: Consider issues like housing insecurity, food deserts, health and wellbeing.
Promote Health and Wellbeing
Improve access to care: Support clinics, mental health services, mobile health units.
Design healthy environments: Add green spaces, trees, safe sidewalks, and community gardens.
Tackle pollution: Reduce air and water pollution, especially near schools, homes, and workplaces. It is toxic to health, particularly vulnerable populations.
Build Environmental Resilience
Assess risks: Map flood zones, heat islands, wildfire-prone areas and impact.
Green infrastructure: Invest in rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavements and tree canopies and other mitigation solutions.
Create climate-ready buildings: Retrofit housing for energy efficiency, ventilation, and temperature regulation.
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Strengthen Economic and Social Resilience
Workforce development: Create pathways to training and jobs
Support local businesses: Invest in small businesses and cooperatives
Community hubs: Schools, libraries, faith spaces, and rec centers can become cooling centers, disaster hubs, and places of connection.
Emergency preparedness: Train neighbors in mutual aid, disaster response, and resource-sharing.
Strengthen networks: Build trust, connection, and collaboration across sectors (public, private, nonprofit).
Address
3935 East Rough Rider Rd
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Open Hours
Monday – Friday: 9am – 2pm (Arizona Time)
Weekends: Closed
Holidays: Closed
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