 APFH
History
The Blackmon Road Community is comprised of approximately 20
families (75-100 individuals) living along Archer Dr., Joe Louis
Blvd., and Blackmon Rd., just off of SC 72.
The neighborhood area has drawn York County’s poor and destitute for
several decades, harboring those unable to find affordable housing,
as well as those suffering from the afflictions of alcohol and drug
addiction. Many of the residents today live without electricity or
indoor plumbing, and in a number of cases, are literally homeless
squatters. The past efforts of the county to address the extreme
poverty of the community have been hindered by complicated property
ownership issues, and have ultimately resulted in little significant
support for the area. Residents of the community have depended upon
the compassion of churches and faith based initiatives, concerned
individuals, and community organizations to help them meet their
most immediate needs.
A Place for Hope was envisioned by Donna Berry as a community care
and resource center to address the physical, educational, and
empowerment needs of the neighborhood residents of the Blackmon Road
Community. Supported and run through the efforts of volunteers,
private partnerships, and public donations, the Center officially
opened Thanksgiving Day 2001. Receiving official 501(C) 3 status as
a non-profit, tax exempt, charitable organization in 2003, the
center was able to expand its primary function of providing food and
clothing to include educational and developmental resources as well.
The consistent and accessible presence of A Place for Hope has had a
significant, positive impact on the community. The Center’s
commitment to providing education and job skills training enabled
York County and Catawba Regional Council of Governments to secure a
community development block grant in September 2005. The $500,000
grant is administered by York County under the guidance of the
Blackmon Road Community Builders, which is inclusive of Blackmon Rd.
community leaders. The grant provides for the laying of water and
sewer lines in the neighborhood. In addition, the Board of Directors
of APFH has raised $25,000+ per year for 5 years to provide an
operational budget and permanent staff for the center in order to
remain in compliance with the $500,000 block grant. The partnership
between local government, non-governmental organizations, and local
banks and businesses will help A Place for Hope reach its goal of
becoming a sustainable community resource center that, true to its
mission, provides for the needs of the Blackmon Road community,
works toward the empowerment of its citizens, and serves as a
catalyst for social and material change. Updated: Jan 15, 2006
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