Bright Blocks
Beautifying homes, strengthening blocks, and building neighborhood pride throughout Huntington's Southside.
Small improvements. Visible impact.
Bright Blocks is a neighborhood beautification initiative of The Southside Alliance created to encourage residents to invest in the appearance of their homes and the character of their blocks.
By concentrating improvements within selected areas, Bright Blocks is designed to create a noticeable collective impact, strengthen neighborhood pride, and encourage continued investment throughout the Southside.
From one home to an entire block.
Bright Blocks takes a targeted, neighborhood-based approach to beautification.
A Target Area Is Selected
The Bright Blocks committee identifies a target area within the Southside where concentrated beautification efforts can create meaningful visual impact.
Residents Apply
Residents within the selected area have an opportunity to apply and describe the exterior improvements they would like to make to their property.
Projects Are Reviewed
The committee reviews applications and determines which projects qualify for Bright Blocks support and the amount awarded.
Work Begins
Once approved, residents can move forward with their beautification projects and help create visible improvement throughout the block.
What could a Bright Blocks project look like?
Bright Blocks focuses on exterior improvements that enhance the appearance of individual properties while contributing to the overall character of the surrounding block.
Applicants explain the improvements they would like to make as part of the application process. Final eligibility and awards are determined through the Bright Blocks review process.
Landscaping
Improvements that help make front yards and visible exterior spaces more attractive and welcoming.
Exterior Refreshes
Improvements that enhance the visible appearance and curb appeal of participating homes.
Porch & Entry Areas
Beautification efforts that improve highly visible areas at the front of the home.
Curb Appeal
Thoughtful improvements that contribute to a cleaner, brighter, and more cohesive streetscape.
Neighborhood pride is contagious.
One improvement can inspire another. When neighbors work together, individual projects can become something larger: a stronger, more beautiful block and a renewed sense of pride in the place we call home.
Concentrated Impact
Focusing efforts within a target area allows individual improvements to work together and create a more noticeable neighborhood transformation.
Resident Investment
Bright Blocks gives residents an opportunity to take an active role in improving the appearance of their own homes and streets.
Lasting Neighborhood Pride
Beautification is about more than appearance. It can strengthen community connection and inspire continued care for the neighborhood.
Inspired by a proven neighborhood approach.
Bright Blocks was inspired by the Oswego Renaissance Association in Oswego, New York, an organization that has used neighborhood-based revitalization and beautification to encourage resident investment and community pride.
With guidance from Paul Stewart of the Oswego Renaissance Association and the work of The Southside Alliance's board and Bright Blocks committee, the idea was adapted for Huntington's Southside.
Have questions?
Here's a quick overview of how participation in Bright Blocks works.
Who can apply for Bright Blocks?
Residents whose properties are located within the currently selected Bright Blocks target area are eligible to submit an application.
How much funding can I request?
Applicants may request grant support of up to $1,000 for an approved beautification project.
Can anyone in the Southside apply?
Bright Blocks works within selected target areas so that multiple improvements can create concentrated impact. Eligibility therefore depends on whether your property is within the current target area.
When can work begin?
Work should begin only after the Bright Blocks application has been reviewed and approved.
How are projects selected?
Applications are reviewed by the Bright Blocks committee based on the program's guidelines, available funding, and the proposed improvement.
Ready to brighten your block?
Learn whether your property is within the current Bright Blocks target area, review the program information, and find out how to submit an application.
Explore more of The Alliance's work →