Eastside Community Network
The Eastside Community Network (ECN) has been driving positive change on Detroit’s east side for 40 years, focusing on sustainable neighborhood growth through various initiatives and partnerships.
Mission and Vision
The Eastside Community Network (ECN) is dedicated to developing people, plans, and places for sustainable neighborhood growth on Detroit’s east side. For 40 years, ECN has been leading positive transformations in the area, focusing on initiatives that support community resilience and development.
Community Economic Development
ECN's Community Economic Development department provides support for current and aspiring east side small business owners. This department creates economic development opportunities and has launched the Mack Avenue Virtual Mall, which features over 180 businesses including more than 25 Black-Owned Businesses and 35 Women-Owned Businesses. ECN also partners with ProsperUS Detroit to offer an Entrepreneurial Training Course, and with Detroit at Work to maintain an Eastside Job Board for employment seekers and small business owners.
Sustainable Housing and Home Support Programs
ECN implements initiatives to promote sustainable housing and support for homeownership. The Detroit Home Repair Fund (DHRF) program assists low-income homeowners with critical repairs, while the DTE Energy Efficiency Assistance Program provides subsidized home upgrades to reduce energy costs. The Homeowners Property Tax Exemption (HOPE) program offers a pathway for eligible homeowners to be exempt from property taxes based on income or special circumstances.
Youth and Wellness Programs
ECN's Youth Development programs emphasize the holistic growth of young people, preparing them for post-secondary school success. The Stoudamire Wellness Hub, a 17,000-square-foot community center, offers a range of wellness activities and resources to eastside residents. Additionally, the Hamilton Rainscape Learning Lab educates the community about stormwater issues and climate resiliency, while the LEAP Sustainability Fellowship helps resident leaders develop their own climate sustainability projects.
Community Mobility and Development Initiatives
The Community Mobility Grant Program by ECN awards up to $10,000 for resident-identified mobility projects. ECN's Electric Vehicle Car Share service provides low-cost hourly or daily rental access to electric vehicles. The Mack Avenue Corridor Improvement Plan involves a multi-sector strategy committee working towards a shared vision for the avenue. The Lower Eastside Action Plan (LEAP) Coalition is a recognized initiative engaging residents in transforming open spaces and stabilizing neighborhoods, and ECN supports Good Stock Detroit to amplify resident voices and promote commercial and housing development.