Community Voices, Stronger Neighborhoods: Key Findings from NHS Baltimore’s 2024 Community Impact Survey

What makes a neighborhood a great place to live? Is it well-maintained homes, strong relationships with neighbors, access to community resources, or confidence in the future?

At Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Baltimore, we believe the people who live in our communities should have a voice in shaping their future.

That’s why NHS Baltimore, in partnership with NeighborWorks America, conducted the 2024 Community Impact Survey to better understand how residents feel about their neighborhoods, the changes they’ve experienced, and the improvements they’d like to see.

The findings reveal encouraging progress in neighborhood satisfaction, community engagement, and physical improvements, while providing valuable insight into where continued investment is needed.

Listening to the Communities We Serve

From June through October 2024, NHS Baltimore conducted a three-year follow-up survey to measure the impact of neighborhood revitalization efforts in Greater Mondawmin and Coppin Heights.

The survey examined five important areas of neighborhood life: satisfaction and confidence, resident empowerment, engagement and neighborliness, safety, and physical conditions and attractiveness. By gathering feedback directly from residents, NHS can better understand neighborhood priorities and develop strategies that respond to community needs.

Residents See the Value of Neighborhood Investment

The survey also found that 61% of respondents felt somewhat or very optimistic that current and proposed community developments would benefit them as residents. 

One survey participant shared:

This feedback reinforces the importance of listening to residents and ensuring neighborhood development efforts reflect their priorities.

Turning Community Feedback Into Action

For NHS Baltimore, collecting data is only the beginning. The findings help guide how we approach neighborhood revitalization, homeownership opportunities, and home preservation.

Based on the survey findings, NHS has identified several strategies to support continued neighborhood improvements, including:

• Vacant Property Rehabilitation: Acquiring and rehabilitating vacant homes in Panway and Walbrook, with plans to expand into Robert W. Coleman.

• Home Improvement Education: Offering DIY Home Improvement Workshops that help homeowners learn about maintaining and improving their properties.

• Block Improvements: Supporting strategic façade and block improvement projects in areas where NHS owns property.

• Home Preservation Resources: Connecting homeowners with repair assistance, including low- to no-cost rehabilitation loans and grants.

• Support for Senior Homeowners: Helping eligible older residents maintain their homes through Housing Upgrades to Benefit Seniors (HUBS).

Together, these strategies reflect NHS Baltimore’s commitment to strengthening neighborhoods while helping residents remain invested in the communities they call home.

Building Stronger Neighborhoods Together

The 2024 Community Impact Survey provides an encouraging picture of neighborhood satisfaction, engagement, and physical improvements across the surveyed communities.

At the same time, it reminds us that meaningful community development requires ongoing investment, collaboration, and most importantly, listening to the people who live in these neighborhoods.

NHS Baltimore remains committed to using resident feedback and community-level data to guide our work, strengthen neighborhoods, and expand opportunities for sustainable homeownership.

Be Part of a Stronger Baltimore

Whether you’re looking to purchase your first home, preserve the home you already own, or support neighborhood revitalization, NHS Baltimore is here to help.

Want to support stronger neighborhoods?

Your donation helps NHS Baltimore continue its work to expand homeownership opportunities, preserve existing homes, and invest in Baltimore communities.