About SoWe
Our mission statement:
We build a powerfully connected neighborhood where everyone can thrive.
Resident Leadership
Outstanding, involved neighbors are the backbone of supporting and improving our community! The people who live, work, play and own businesses here know our neighborhood best and we believe they are the best suited to help shape how our community grows! That’s why we work directly with residents and local stakeholders to support and fund their ideas for the neighborhood! See if SoWe can help you bring your community project to life.
Affordable Housing
We believe there is nothing more powerful than the strength and stability that a safe and affordable home can provide, which is why supporting affordable housing in our community is one of SoWe's two focus areas. As housing costs skyrocket, this work is more important than ever! We are committed to continuing the long legacy our neighborhood has in offering an affordable place to live and supporting a neighborhood where everyone is connected to the resources they need to thrive, directly through SoWe and in collaboration with our community partners.
Our Team
Meet the passionate individuals behind our programs.
Our Board
Meet the passionate individuals behind our programs.
Committees and Working Groups
Help review, choose, and support projects and events, led by resident leaders, to happen in the neighborhood!
Collaborate with neighbors, nonprofit partners, local landlords, and housing providers to support affordable housing initiatives in the neighborhood.
Help the SoWe team to build and implement a marketing strategy that reflects the true identity of the neighborhood
Connect with fellow event planners to coordinate large-scale FREE events for neighbors, based around whatever event is next on the calendar!
Work together with neighbors, City officials, nonprofit partners, and local experts to ensure Culliton park is a great & safe place for all our community members
Help SoWe and community partners to plant more trees throughout the neighborhood and support our precious green spaces!
Connect with neighbors, garden experts, and community educators to plan, plant, and maintain a community garden in the neighborhood!
Current Projects
Because the needs and desires of our neighborhood are constantly evolving – that means our projects change regularly too! Check here to see what SoWe is doing right now and how you can plug in!
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A Brief SoWe History
In 2012, the Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership (LHOP) began a focused effort to rehabilitate houses in the southwest, or Cabbage Hill, area of Lancaster City.
After two years of operation, LHOP’s housing rehab program was recognized by officials from the Wells Fargo Bank, who encouraged LHOP to apply for planning funds from the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation (WFRF) which was awarded in April 2015.
The SouthWest Neighborhood Leadership Board (SWNLB) was formed to guide the planning process.
After 14 months of meetings, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews, the Southwest Lancaster Neighborhood Strategy was completed in September 2016, outlining six focus areas: Housing, Neighborhood Connections, Open Space & Public Realm, Community Safety, Education, and Economic Opportunity
The SouthWest Neighborhood Leadership Board adopted the name “SoWe” and formed a collaborative of nonprofit partners to help guide the implementation of the Southwest Lancaster Neighborhood Strategy. The initial funding from WFRF (now called the Regional Foundation) was supplemented by additional funding from the Lancaster County Community Foundation, the High Foundation, the Steinman Foundation, and an anonymous family foundation.
In 2020, LHOP and Tabor Community Services merged to form Tenfold which continues to support the SoWe Initiative.
In 2022, SoWe was awarded a second 5-year implementation grant from the Regional Foundation, along with a 6-year Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP) Grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development. This NPP grant was made possible through sponsorships by Fulton Bank, M&T Bank, and PPL.
In 2024, SoWe conducted strategic planning which identified 4 “Big Questions” that will drive our work over the next 3-5 years:
- How do we build a pipeline of neighbor engagement from basic participation to action around key community interests and opportunities?;
- How do we focus our work on housing?;
- How do we maximize our partnerships?; and
- How do we ensure financial sustainability?
Donate to SoWe
The SoWe Collaborative
The SoWe Collaborative is made up of nonprofit organizations serving southwest Lancaster City. The Collaborative provides strategic input on SoWe programs and guides the implementation of the Southwest Lancaster Neighborhood Strategy.
Our Community Partners
In order to build a powerful neighborhood where everyone can thrive, SoWe works closely with community partners to deliver services, host events, and advocate for our neighbors.
Our Funding Partners
SoWe’s work wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our funding partners
Get in Touch
Need assistance or have an idea for the neighborhood? We would love the opportunity to connect with you!
Phone
Call our general line to leave a message and the applicable staff member will return your call!
SoWe Office Entrances:
