Congratulations to former NeighborHUB grant recipient Shamayim ‘Mama Shu’ Harris, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Avalon Village, who has been nominated for CNN Hero of the Year. After the death of her 2-year-old son, she channeled her grief into transforming her struggling neighborhood. By purchasing dozens of abandoned lots and providing needed services, Mama Shu has built a safe, sustainable, thriving eco-village. Vote for Mama Shu for CNN Hero of the Year HERE.
In 2019, Mama Shu was awarded the NeighborHUB grant to help launch ‘The Homework House,’ a big red brick house where under-served Highland Park children can access a kaleidoscope of creative educational activities, meals, laundry, and shower facilities. She also was a speaker at the 2019 Detroit Policy Conference.