We’ve been following the progress of Avalon Village, a group in Highland Park that’s turning their blighted neighborhood into a self-sustaining eco-village. We’re happy to report that after a 30-day Kickstarter campaign, the Village has raised $243,690 to go toward Phase One of their project.

'We are so excited to build this village with you'https://t.co/f0hel1FQ8S pic.twitter.com/MaH2KaiFc4 — The Avalon Village (@AvalonVillageHP) June 23, 2016

Led by Shamayim "Mama Shu" Harris, the first phase includes two projects. The Homework House is an abandoned house which has been cleaned out and will be renovated into a place of nurturing for kids to eat a healthy meal, get help with their school work, and to learn about food and urban survival. The second is the Goddess Marketplace, a shipping container-based economic initiative for women where they can sell their goods and food. Landscaping will also be part of this first phase, which should be completed by September 23.

Mama Shu has had this vision of a village for many years. In 2007, her two year old son Jakobi Ra was hit and killed by a car. The block is notorious for crime and death and she wants to turn the energy from her grief into something that can bring joy.

Avalon Village will incorporate green initiatives in all their work, in order to create a self-sustaining village. They’re always in need for more volunteers and will be busy this summer renovating the Homework House, setting up the Goddess Marketplace, and landscaping the street.

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We’ll keep you updated throughout the summer as they turn their neighborhood vision into a reality.