Economic Sustainability…
When a neighborhood doesn’t have restaurants, retail stores, and recreational businesses in them, then the expendable income of the community goes to other neighborhoods. Money that should be supporting and building up the neighborhood is escaping due to lack of spending options. Creating jobs and businesses in neighborhoods is essential, especially for neighborhoods like Portland where transportation is an issue. When neighbors can spend their paychecks in their community, then their dollars are getting reinvested back into their own community. At Love City we have always tried to create micro businesses to help keep dollars in the local community economy for longer and all that money gets poured right back into our programs, all while providing more jobs for people. Over the years we have had Porkland, St. C’s tees, Reborn Woodworks, Hustleville, and other programs that have all helped raise money for community change.
The micro businesses that we create are meant to fulfill the current needs of the community while also raising funds. Pre-covid we were around 65% self sustainable, covering that much of our programming expenses with our businesses revenue. That took a big hit during Covid and we had to rely much more on donations and grants. The more self-sustainable we are, the less burden there is on donors and the more time we can focus on creating change. We hope to someday get to 90% self-sustainable. To do that there are two main things we are currently focusing on and which you can help with: Porkland getting rezoned and Merriment Thrift opening.
Many of you know about our problems with the zoning of the old St Cecilia campus getting challenged, causing Porkland to switch to Fridays only, after 4 years in business. Porkland provided a great restaurant for families to eat lunch and dinner at. It was the only sit-down dinner restaurant in a sea of franchise fast food chains. It created 6 jobs and gave neighbors a place to reconnect. It was a huge revenue driver for Love City, with all the profits going towards Mighty Oak. The rezoning process will take 4-6 months, but you can help by scanning this QR code or go here send your support for the Porkland property to be rezoned to allow for a full time restaurant to be operated on the premises. Every email sent helps.
We are also working on opening up Merriment Thrift Store, with our opening being at the end of the month May. We are super appreciative and thankful for all of the support that we already received and the many generous donations that we have been given. It is always encouraging to see people respecting their neighbors by donating good quality items. We can still use more clothing donations, especially in children’s clothes. If you are interested in dropping off a donation call (502) 901-1105.
A Donation being dropped off by a member of Epiphany Catholic Church
While these businesses are really just a small piece of the larger picture, they are still big undertakings for a team our size. Any resources, time, or materials that you have to donate are greatly appreciated. With your help I know we will be able to get these pieces of the community open. Creating 10 new jobs and providing a place for people to buy clothes and food will be a huge step towards creating a more economically sustainable community.
Ethan
Open Enrollment!!!
Mighty Oak has opened our enrollment for the year. If you or someone you know has a student in grades K-9 you can apply from now until May 10th. Remember, applicants must live in the West End. All grade levels of students will be evaluated but there will not be space for every student that applies. APPLY NOW!!!
Fish Fry OPEN!!!
Returning from Derby break we are excited to see you again. Stop by for some Churched Up Tots or a Fried Fish Sandwich. See ya soon!!
If you are interested in volunteering or to find out more information about supplies needed please email: info@lovecityinc.org or call (502) 272-078.