Building Blocks of Kalamazoo

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

Building Blocks of Kalamazoo We provide residents of Kalamazoo central neighborhoods with the resources to complete neighborhood beautification projects.

This empowers residents, one block at a time, through community organizing, to enhance the quality of neighborhood life. Founded in 1995, Building Blocks is a non-profit organization that partners with Kalamazoo residents, neighborhood associations and Western Michigan University students to complete revitalization projects in central city neighborhoods. Students and residents are trained in street level community organizing and work to build relationships within a neighborhood to address local needs and build social capital. Funding and support for Building Blocks is provided by Kalamazoo Community Foundation, United Way of Battle Creek and Greater Kalamazoo, Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, Harold & Grace Upjohn Foundation, the City of Kalamazoo, plus many other foundations, local banks, businesses, churches and individuals. Since 1995, Building Blocks has helped over 1,500 households in 140 neighborhood sites make physical improvements on their homes and streets.

We had such a successful Catalyst Program this year and we want to share some project highlights! This is a fencing proj...
09/23/2026

We had such a successful Catalyst Program this year and we want to share some project highlights! This is a fencing project completed by the resident group on Phelps Ave in the Eastside neighborhood. These large projects require knowledge and expertise, collaboration, and time. So great to see everyone come together for this resident’s project. More project highlights to come!

09/21/2026

City of Kalamazoo, September 21, 2026 – As of Monday, September 21, 2026, at 7:00 am, the boil water advisory issued September 19, 2026, has been lifted by the City of Kalamazoo, in cooperation with the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department. Citizens in the affected area can now use City water for consumption as well as all other purposes. All Bacteriological sampling for E. coli (Escherichia coli) and Total Coliform within the affected area have passed therefore verifying that the water is safe to drink. See and a map of the Low and High Pressure Districts: Boil Water Advisory: LOW and HIGH Pressure Districts City of Kalamazoo

The understanding and cooperation of affected residents, businesses and institutions is much appreciated.

09/21/2026

Good morning, Northside Community!

Great news—the boil water advisory has officially been lifted!

We do have cases of bottled water provided by the City of Kalamazoo available for residents who may still need them. If you would like a case, please feel free to stop by the NACD office today from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM or anytime during office hours this week.

Limit: 1 case per family while supplies last.

Please help us spread the word to your neighbors and community members who may need water!

09/19/2026

A Boil Water Advisory is in effect for City of Kalamazoo water customers in the Low and High pressure districts after E. coli bacteria were detected in one water sample collected September 18.

Customers in the affected area should use bottled water or bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least two minutes before using it for drinking, making ice, preparing food, brushing teeth, washing dishes, or other consumptive purposes.

The City is conducting additional sampling and investigating the source of the contamination. The advisory will remain in effect until testing confirms the water is safe for normal use.

No special precautions are necessary for bathing or showering unless otherwise directed.

Please review the affected area map and full notice for additional information and share this information with others who may not receive the notice directly.

Read more: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/Residents/Water-Sewer-Service/Boil-Water-Advisories/Boil-Water-Advisory-LOW-and-HIGH-Pressure-Districts

At Building Blocks, we are more than community organizers; we are community members.In late August, one of our Block Act...
09/18/2026

At Building Blocks, we are more than community organizers; we are community members.

In late August, one of our Block Action Group participants reached out to us about an opportunity to help a neighbor in the Vine neighborhood.

Immediately, our team went into action, setting up meetings, reaching out to our partners, and exploring how we could be of service and support this resident-led effort.

Now we’re inviting YOU, our community, to join us in showing up for a neighbor!

Whether it’s doing yard work, helping remove items that are no longer needed, packing valuables, or lending a hand wherever it’s needed, there’s an opportunity for everyone to be part of this effort.

This is what community looks like. Neighbors showing up for neighbors 💚

We hope you’ll join us!

Thank you Oakwood Neighborhood Association for this trip down memory lane! Building Blocks has been operating in the Oak...
09/18/2026

Thank you Oakwood Neighborhood Association for this trip down memory lane!

Building Blocks has been operating in the Oakwood neighborhood for decades. This year we came full circle and returned to Lowden St. for our 2026 Catalyst Program. Such a beautiful and tight-knit group of neighbors this year.

“Let’s save Michigan with neighbors helping neighbors, rebuild neighborhoods one block at a time.”

09/11/2026

MURALIST WANTED!

We are looking to employ a mural artist to spruce up some boring old cement yard blocks in the 322 Stockbridge Lot. This is a paid position!

Read the RFQ and apply by following this link or clicking the "PAID MURAL GIG! APPLY HERE" button on our features page!

https://forms.gle/NH9U6dmMvsHa4Rsc7

As we wrap up our Catalyst Program for this year, the projects are completed but the parties are in full swing! Block Pa...
09/10/2026

As we wrap up our Catalyst Program for this year, the projects are completed but the parties are in full swing! Block Parties are the way we show appreciation to our participating residents and celebrate all of their accomplishments over the past few months. Relationship-building continues even after the Workdays are over. Phelps Ave in the Eastside neighborhood and Lowden St in the Oakwood neighborhood are pictured here, enjoying each others company.

09/09/2026

There's still time to join us for Neighborhoods Connect!

If you've ever wanted to meet people from other Kalamazoo neighborhoods, exchange ideas, or learn how others are tackling challenges in their communities, this event is for you.

Expect a welcoming, conversation-focused meeting with plenty of opportunities to connect around the table, ask questions, share your experiences, and leave with new ideas and new relationships.

Everyone is welcome, whether you've been involved in your neighborhood for years or you're just looking for a way to get more connected.

📅 TOMORROW, Wednesday, September 9
🕒 7-8:45 p.m.
📍 Northside Association for Community Development, 612 N Park St

Learn more: www.kalamazoocity.org/NeighborhoodsConnect

Address

1009 E Stockbridge
Kalamazoo, MI
49001

Telephone

+12693899928

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Building Blocks of Kalamazoo posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Building Blocks of Kalamazoo:

Shortcuts

Share

Category