Bright Blocks

What is Bright Blocks?

Bright Blocks is a pilot neighborhood improvement initiative created to support homeowners who want to make visible exterior improvements to the place they call home.

Inspired by the successful Oswego Renaissance Association model in Oswego, New York, Bright Blocks encourages neighbors, volunteers, community partners, and supporters to work together to strengthen and beautify Huntington’s Southside through block by block investment and collaboration.

The program is designed to encourage community pride, beautification, reinvestment, and positive momentum throughout the Southside while helping neighbors create visible improvements that inspire additional investment and participation.

For the 2026 pilot year, Bright Blocks will begin with a small focus area so the program can be tested, refined, and expanded in future years.

How Does Bright Blocks Work?

Bright Blocks utilizes small matching grants to help homeowners complete approved exterior improvement projects that are visible from the street.

The program focuses on concentrated improvements within a specific pilot focus area to help build visible momentum and encourage additional neighborhood participation over time.

Projects are intended to:
• Encourage neighborhood pride
• Support beautification efforts
• Improve curb appeal
• Encourage reinvestment
• Create visible block by block improvements
• Strengthen community connections

Eligible Improvement Projects May Include:
• Exterior painting
• Porch repair
• Soffit and trim repair
• Exterior lighting improvements
• Landscaping and cleanup
• General curb appeal improvements
• Other approved exterior enhancement projects

All approved projects must be visible from the street. Interior-only and backyard-only projects are not eligible.

2026 Pilot Focus Area

The initial Bright Blocks pilot focus area will include:

9th Avenue between 1st Street and 4th Street

This area was selected as the starting point for the pilot program and is not intended to reflect negatively on any resident, property, or block. The goal of Bright Blocks is to build positive momentum, encourage participation, and create a model that can continue expanding throughout the Southside in future years.

Who is Eligible?

• Participants must live within the designated pilot focus area
• Applicants must be owner occupants
• Rental properties and tenants are not eligible during the pilot phase
• There are currently no income restrictions

Grant Structure

Bright Blocks is a matching grant reimbursement program.

• Homeowners may request between $100 and $1,000 per property
• Approved reimbursements are distributed after project completion and verification
• Homeowners will typically have 60 to 90 days to complete approved projects
• Project guidelines and application details will be provided during the application process

Applications

Applications are now open for the 2026 Bright Blocks pilot program.

Homeowners within the 2026 Pilot Focus Area, 9th Avenue between 1st Street and 4th Street, are invited to submit an application for eligible exterior improvement projects.

Bright Blocks is a matching grant reimbursement program. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. Approved projects must meet program guidelines and reimbursement requirements.

Apply for Bright Blocks:

https://forms.gle/gcSR7LgausydT7HLA

Prefer a paper application?

Download and print a copy of the Bright Blocks application, then mail the completed form to:

The Southside Preservation and Enhancement Alliance, Inc.
P.O. Box 1454
Huntington, WV 25716

Get Involved

Bright Blocks is currently seeking:

• Homeowner participants
• Volunteers
• Community partners
• Sponsors and donors
• Block leaders

Questions or Contact Information

For homeowner participation and general questions:

southsidebrightblocks@gmail.com

For sponsorship and funding inquiries:
Parker Ward
304-633-2511

Follow Bright Blocks and The Southside Preservation and Enhancement Alliance for future announcements, applications, volunteer opportunities, and program updates.

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