Several Birmingham-area organizations have turned to national online projects like the Pepsi Refresh project to try to secure funding for projects in recent months. One more has joined the fray in recent weeks. As of this posting it was ranked 152nd; the top two vote getters receive the prize for that month.
The Village, a non-profit ministry started in January 2008, is hoping to win $250,000 from the national program to help the organization secure the former Carraway Medical Center property just north of the city’s central business district – one they’ve been looking at for several months. The property would be turned into a “home and youth center for teens…”
The Village’s executive director, Andy Jenkins, has already asked folks visiting his blog to vote and help spread the word about the grant proposal, which would provide for salaries as well as operating expenses for three months.
The historic hospital complex in question is located amid several residential neighborhoods. These include Druid Hills, Fountain Heights and Norwood, an area that many in the city think will be the next one to see an urban revival.
Area homeowners have told Birmingham City Councilor Johnathan Austin that they oppose such a use of the facility while signs have begun to appear in Norwood voicing concern.
