Nextdoor, H&R Block Team Up on 10 Neighborhood Projects Across the US

Nextdoor is teaming up with H&R Block on 10 community projects across the country aimed at building more resilient communities, reducing social isolation and improving quality of life. The neighborhood social network and the financial services provider chose from over 2,000 project ideas that were submitted from all 50 states. The two companies will work with the nominators, local volunteers and local businesses in the 10 neighborhoods with the aim of completing the projects by year-end, with necessary Covid-19 safety precautions in place. The 10 projects are: Acworth, Ga.: Building picnic tables, a gazebo and a community garden to provide a safe space and healthy food for families in need, submitted by Gisele Butker.Buffalo, N.Y.: Building a community garden so that neighbors can learn about growing plants, contribute to the area food pantry and meet other neighbors, submitted by Susan Bradbury. Cincinnati: Creating a mural crosswalk to safely connect a community garden with a local elementary school, submitted by Gary Dangel.Detroit: Building a community closet from recycled shipping containers to provide free clothing, household and personal items to residents in need, submitted by Latisha Johnson.Green Valley, Ariz.: Constructing a communal space at a community garden for residents to step out of the sun and form better neighbor-to-neighbor relations, submitted by Kim Barney.Kuna, Idaho: Upgrading youth baseball and softball fields so that families have a place for recreational sports, submitted by Daniel Edralin.Miami: Creating plant sanctuaries at a local library for residents to learn about community gardening, submitted by Mary Benton.Oakland, Calif.: Restoring a beloved community recreation center for neighbors to have a safe and beautiful place to connect, submitted by Maribel Lopez. Philadelphia: Upgrading courts and sports equipment at a local recreation center that emphasizes inclusive programs, submitted by Laura Lucas.Topeka, Kan.: Transforming an alley into a pollinator garden to beautify an outdoor space for neighbors, submitted by Mike Spadafore. Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar said in a statement, “Now, more than ever, we see the power of neighborhood connections. In recent months, we’ve grown to rely on people and places nearby. We are proud to partner with H&R Block to support neighborhoods and foster meaningful connections that ultimately create strong, kinder communities.” H&R Block president and CEO Jeff Jones added, “In the past few months, communities have overcome disruptions to every aspect of daily life, and we continued to provide clients the help and expertise they needed facing the extended tax deadline. Given how unprecedented times have been, it was exciting to read so many ideas from neighbors on how we could help improve the spaces around us in order to increase conversations and meaningful connections. We know that social isolation can negatively impact people, and that’s been made more challenging during the pandemic and the new environment of stay-at home-directives and social distancing. We’re pleased to partner with Nextdoor as we continue to live out our purpose to provide help and inspire confidence in our clients and communities everywhere.”