The Urban Renewal Center

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The Urban Renewal Center URC awakens relentless pursuit of social transformation. Core Values
Reconciliation | Multi-racial/ethnic involvement | Health and wholeness | Social Justice

Vision
Awakening society to its promised wholeness

About URC
We are uniting the community for positive change.

Tonight’s the night! The excitement is building for Evening of Hope! Come early, explore the vendors, and strike a pose ...
10/07/2026

Tonight’s the night! The excitement is building for Evening of Hope! Come early, explore the vendors, and strike a pose on the red carpet. Then get ready for an unforgettable evening of music, remembrance, healing, and unity.

Bring someone with you and come ready to have a fantastic time. We can’t wait to see you!

10/05/2026

What an incredible weekend of service!

Many thanks to our staff and every volunteer who helped make this weekend such a tremendous success. A special thank you to the men’s group from First Presbyterian Church (), who came out in force! When so many people are willing to serve, even a big project becomes lighter, faster, and more joyful.

On behalf of the families and individuals we serve, we are deeply grateful to every donor and volunteer who makes this work possible.

Because of your generosity, more people who have transitioned into stable housing now have beds, tables, chairs, sofas, and other furnishings that help turn housing into a home. 🏠

And we’re taking this initiative to another level. We look forward to growing this program and helping many more individuals and families make the transition into stable, furnished homes.

Thank you for helping us build a stronger, more compassionate community, one home at a time.

We are excited to welcome .d.ii of The Voice, Season 27, as our special guest artist for the 4th Annual Evening of Hope ...
10/04/2026

We are excited to welcome .d.ii of The Voice, Season 27, as our special guest artist for the 4th Annual Evening of Hope this week!

Brian is an incredible talent and a Hampton Roads native, and we are honored to have him lend his voice to an evening dedicated to hope, healing, remembrance, and community.

This Wednesday, we will gather as one community to remember lives lost to violence, stand with families, and declare that hope is still alive in Hampton Roads. Make plans now to be in the room. Bring your family, friends, church, and community!

- Wednesday, October 7, 2026
- Red Carpet Photos | 6 PM 📸
- Evening of Hope | 7 PM
đź“Ť Bethel Temple Church
1705 Todds Lane, Hampton, VA

FREE and open to the public. RSVP requested.

You do not want to miss Brian Darden II and what promises to be a powerful and unforgettable Evening of Hope!

CELEBRATING HOPE. HONORING CHAMPIONS. INSPIRING CHANGE.We are proud to announce the 2026 Hope Awards Honorees!These extr...
10/04/2026

CELEBRATING HOPE. HONORING CHAMPIONS. INSPIRING CHANGE.

We are proud to announce the 2026 Hope Awards Honorees!

These extraordinary individuals and organizations remind us that hope is more than a word; it is demonstrated through courageous leadership, compassionate service, and an unwavering commitment to transforming lives and strengthening our communities.

Join us as we celebrate Cameron Bertrand, Scharnelle Moton, Forever 19, Marlene Bright, Brother Bilal Muhammad, and the Hampton Victim Services Unit.

Evening of Hope 2026

October 7, 2026 7 PM
FREE ADMISSION | FORMAL ATTIRE

Together, we honor those who turn tragedy into purpose, service into transformation, and hope into action.

Because hope is stronger when we stand together!

09/07/2026

Public education in Norfolk:

Black students, on average, are academically two grade levels behind white students.

Source: ProPublica/OCR

09/06/2026

Economics in Norfolk:

In Norfolk City, median household income is $91,319 for white households and $49,682 for Black households, that is, roughly a 46% gap, and wider than the statewide spread.

Norfolk is about 43% white and 39% Black, so this isn’t a small-sample artifact. Black unemployment in the city runs around 7% against 4.8% for white residents.

Source: GHRConnects

Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸Today we celebrate 250 years of this nation's story — its freedoms, its founding, and the enduring ...
07/04/2026

Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸

Today we celebrate 250 years of this nation's story — its freedoms, its founding, and the enduring hope that "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty" still stirs in us.

As we mark this milestone, may we give thanks for the blessings of freedom and recommit ourselves to the common good — justice, dignity, and liberty for all.

We wish you and your family a safe and joyful Independence Day.

We are THRILLED to welcome our newest ISTREAM cohort — 70 Norfolk kids and counting! Big-ups to Mary Otton - our program...
06/14/2026

We are THRILLED to welcome our newest ISTREAM cohort — 70 Norfolk kids and counting! Big-ups to Mary Otton - our program coordinator, and Trinity Presbyterian Church for the partnership!

This summer is blazing with excitement as our young learners dive into the arts, with STEM programming on the way.

None of this would be possible without a grant from the City of Norfolk and our incredible supporters. When you invest in URC’s ISTREAM, you invest in our kids. 💛

With heartfelt gratitude, thank you to everyone who joined us “at the table” for an evening of fellowship, meaningful co...
05/30/2026

With heartfelt gratitude, thank you to everyone who joined us “at the table” for an evening of fellowship, meaningful conversation, shared stories, and joyful laughter. Your presence reminded us that community is one of God’s greatest gifts. Every smile, every conversation, and every moment of connection strengthened the bonds that unite us in friendship, faith, and purpose.

We are deeply thankful for each of you and for the opportunity to gather together around the table. May the relationships nurtured tonight continue to inspire, encourage, and uplift us as we serve our communities and walk together in hope.

Address

820 Colonial Avenue
Norfolk, VA
23507

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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