Smalltimore Homes Inc

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Black Philanthropy Month and Beyond: Courage, Code, and Collective Vision

"When we build with love, we resist with purpose."

As we enter Black Philanthropy Month 2025, we are reminded that the most powerful form of philanthropy isn’t transactional—it’s transformational. It shows up in neighborhood clean-ups, front-porch check-ins, tool shares, and conversations on stoops about what’s really going on. It’s what keeps our communities moving forward—despite policies and administrations that too often push us to the margins.

This year, as the current administration intensifies efforts that widen the wealth gap, undermine tenant protections, and dehumanize those facing housing insecurity, we are not discouraged. We are rooted in resolve.

We know that leadership starts at the block level.

Feed Forward, Not Just Feedback

Following a year of research, redesign, and community wellness efforts, we’re entering 2025 with a renewed commitment to "feed forward"—to channel what we’ve learned into bold, collective visioning for the future.We’re talking with neighbors—seniors, caregivers, young people, returning citizens—about what they need and dream of:

• Safer homes.
• Repairs they can afford.
• Housing that reflects dignity, not scarcity.

And we’re listening deeply—because listening is a revolutionary act.

Piloting Digital Empowerment for Housing Justice

In response to the ongoing erosion of federal supports like HUD's fair housing standards, homelessness protections, and housing-first models, we’re launching new digital literacy and equity programs designed by and for our community.

This pilot aims to put power back in residents' hands, not punish them for policy failures:

• 311 Training: Teaching neighbors how to advocate for code enforcement without fear of retaliation.
• Computer Basics: Helping seniors and adults navigate digital tools to stay connected and informed.
• AI Literacy Workshops: Exploring how artificial intelligence is shaping everything from housing access to government benefits—and how we can shape it in return.

This isn't about keeping up with tech trends—it’s about survival, sovereignty, and skill-building.

Village Visioning in the Face of Harm

Yes, we see what’s happening: AI is being used to profile the unhoused, HUD is shifting further toward privatization, and wealth continues to be hoarded in the hands of the few.

But in the face of harm, we are building villages of hope—tiny homes, community gardens, and tech hubs rooted in Black resilience and joy. And we’re inviting others to dream with us, build with us, and fund the vision that honors our collective brilliance.

Join Us This August

This Black Philanthropy Month, don’t just donate—activate.

Fund a vision grounded in people, not pity.

Support digital equity as a pathway to housing justice.

Stand with us as we co-create solutions that center dignity, not punishment.

We don’t need saviors—we need solidarity.Because when we invest in each other, we close the gap—regardless of who’s in office.

#BuildTheVision #FeedForward #BlackPhilanthropyMonth2025 #VillageVision