In the world of community development, you may think about streets, buildings, and playgrounds.

But One Omaha’s role in community development is very different. The nonprofit exists to fill a specific need for all of Omaha’s 221 neighborhoods by equipping neighborhood residents to work together and address common problems.

Many other cities have a Department of Neighborhoods that is based out of city hall. Omaha does not have this department, so One Omaha was created to fill the spot.

One Omaha believes the community members know what’s best to address the issues in their own neighborhoods.

Alexis Bromley, the executive director, says it’s hard to convey their mission. “The projects aren’t our end goal. The process of the people in the neighborhoods completing the project – that’s our mission.”

That’s not to say they are not proud of the completed projects they have helped to facilitate.

In 2022 alone, they have:

Helped 63 neighborhood groups with issues ranging from grant opportunities to capacity building.

Helped neighborhood groups receive over $42,000 in grant funds.

Hosted seven free workshops on topics ranging from social justice advocacy, community development, and working with the media.

Bromley talked about a recent project in the Fairfax neighborhood. This neighborhood has historically had very strong engagement, but when a longtime leader passed away, it crippled the connection between the neighbors.

With Fairfax being one of the most impoverished zip codes in the state, connection and engagement with other neighbors is a crucial component to the success of the area.

With One Omaha’s guidance, the members of the Fairfax neighborhood association got to work. A lot of houses have been demolished – leaving some of the streets with a “gap tooth” effect.

After surveying the neighbors, the group decided to use a vacant lot for a place to socialize and host events. One Omaha helped the neighborhood association raise $6,000 to turn their vacant lot into an oasis. They built a pergola, a shed, and purchased a lawn mower and grills.

This space is now used for weekly coffee meetings and can be rented for a low cost for neighbors to host barbeques and birthday parties.

This follows an idea that Bromley called ABCD – Asset Based Community Development – let’s build on what’s already here. The goal is to utilize the people, the buildings and the resources that are already there rather than waiting for the government to come in and solve existing problems.

Any resident in Omaha can contact One Omaha for help. In addition to helping neighborhoods secure grants, they host workshops, trainings, and can help create flyers for your neighborhood events.

According to Bromley, “As long as there are people interested in creating a change for the better, there will be a need for our organization to support them in driving that change.”

You can find more information about One Omaha and their initiatives by visiting their website at https://www.oneomaha.org/.