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Partnering for Health in MacArthur Boulevard
The MacArthur Boulevard neighborhood in Superior Township is one of six priority areas that faces some of the greatest health inequities in the county. The neighborhood includes Sycamore Meadows, a 262-unit privately owned low-income apartment complex, which is home to many families with young children.
The Washtenaw County Health Department teamed up with Alisha Spencer, a Trusted Advisor Parent Leader with Success by 6 Great Start Collaborative and resident of the MacArthur Boulevard neighborhood, in 2017 to hold a focus group with neighborhood families. Seven mothers with young children shared powerful stories about their experiences living in the neighborhood, the supports they have, and the challenges they face trying to keep themselves and their families healthy. Participants talked about issues related to housing conditions, neighborhood safety and crime, discrimination, hunger, and the need for better access to services.
Quotes from Maternal Child Health Focus Group, MacArthur Boulevard Neighborhood, August 2017
In response to this feedback, several organizations, including the Health Department, Success by 6, Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development, Washtenaw Housing Alliance, and Legal Services of South Central Michigan, joined with residents to better understand how they could advocate together for improving living conditions in the community. Organizational allies shared community concerns. As a result, the Township inspected all units in the apartment complex. Ninety-five percent failed.
In May 2018, residents formed the Sycamore Meadows Tenant Association (SMTA) with the goal of “improving the living conditions of our community through teamwork and communication with our neighbors.” Tenants meet every other week to voice concerns about housing conditions and other things affecting people’s quality of life. Meetings are centered on tenants’ experiences and, in partnership with the organizational allies, developing strategies to advocate for change.
As a result of working together, both Superior Township and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development have taken action to ensure the property owner is complying with housing regulations. The owner of Sycamore Meadows has hired a new property manager and residents are reporting that maintenance is making noticeable improvements to some of the units and buildings.
Food Gatherers is now providing food distributions in the community room, and Superior Township has recently made improvements to nearby parks.
“The Sycamore Meadows tenants Association has been very beneficial to residents and the surrounding community because it has given the tenants a common ground where every and all concerns can be heard and handled in an appropriate way,” says Marcy Schwab, Sycamore Meadows resident and community organizer.
In August 2018, MacArthur residents worked with the Health Department to hold a Summer Fun Day with food, resources, and games to strengthen connections between neighbors. Over 100 neighbors came out to enjoy the day. In December, SMTA organized a holiday party to celebrate the accomplishments over the past year. There are now 75 residents on SMTA’s contact list.
The allies partnership has grown too and now includes the Washtenaw County Sheriff Office and Community Mental Health. Staff from The Sheriff Office’s Sisters United Resilient and Empowered Moms program have started a new support group for women who live at Sycamore Meadows, and Community Mental Health has shared resources and information to help children and adults who have experienced trauma.
“My hope is that Sycamore Meadows continues to grow strong together as a community and a neighborhood,” says Schwab. “The most important thing that I would like for the Sycamore Meadows community is for the people and the children to be able to LIVE in the community and not just try to SURVIVE.”
Data Snapshot for MacArthur Boulevard
Explore data that impacts health in the MacArthur Boulevard census tract. Refresh your page to see new data. View all data related to this area.
