La Casita:
What started as a collective group of nonprofits coming together to create bring programs and resources to the Lansing Neighborhood has transformed into a neighborhood taking care of its own. La Casita, which means little house in Spanish, is a place where neighbors can meet one another, get help, borrow books, be active and learn. It’s is located right next to our gymnasium.
It emerged from discussions among nonprofits around the Fostering Hope Initiative in 2009, which aimed to cuts the need for foster care by strengthening families and neighborhoods. Four years after La Casita opened its doors, it still doesn’t have a budget, but it’s been able to accomplish a surprising amount.
La Casita regularly hosts exercise classes, lets children play basketball in the c gym, hosts summer gardening camps and opens its doors for other nonprofits to teach classes. Every Thursday there is a group of ladies that get together for coffee and for a potluck. Children are always welcome to attend with siblings or with moms.
Neighbors can pop in looking for resources. Since the neighborhood has many Spanish speakers, people often stop by when they don’t understand a letter they received.
They have created a friendly house neighbors could use and brought resources spread throughout the community to a place residents could access right next door. For more information, please talk to Maria Lemus who is in charge of the weekly meetings. Her number is: 503-551-6548.