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Featured Project: TP Collaboration Clean-up
“The purpose of my project is to create a community-led cleaning program that will help to improve the cleanliness and safety of the neighborhood. Participants will gain leadership and entry-level workforce experience through coaching and skill-development that can potentially transfer to employment opportunities outside of Hunters View.
The TP Collaboration project also honors a Hunters View native who passed away in 2023. Taryell Porter loved his community and loved to keep it clean. He inspired me to design this program to be inclusive and welcoming to all residents, regardless of age, race, or income.”
-Alkisha Porter
We recently spoke to Ms. Alkisha Porter, founder of KWOL (Keeps Walks of Life) about her completed project in Hunters View. KWOL aims to improve awareness around diabetes in the African American community, keeping them active while doing so. Ms. Porter’s connection to her community and the success of her project led to her recently being awarded a second HOPE SF grant in order to replicate the success of this project in Alice Griffith community.
Ms. Porter’s project lasted approximately 8 weeks. During that time, 11 residents participated in everything from Safety/Hazmat training, OSHA training (in partnership with HOPE SF partner Young Community Developers), team-building activities, community service, and lastly, neighborhood clean-up
In addition to cleaning up the neighborhood, residents also helped to clean both India Basin and Heron’s Head parks which are both near Hunters View. Historically, much of this area has been overlooked, especially when it comes to the removal of toxic waste and harmful chemicals used by the US government.
During clean-ups, Ms. Porter shared that while the program formally took on 11 residents, it wasn’t uncommon for folks in the neighborhood, not affiliated with the program, to join in and volunteer as well!
Ms. Porter estimates that the net positive impact of her project was likely felt by hundreds in the Hunters View community. When I asked what her favorite part of leading this project was, she shared:
“Just working with folks and being able to provide something like this. Getting into their world and them getting into mine. I almost teared up at the graduation. It’s not often folks from this community get their flowers and they were really happy. They don’t get a lot of recognition and this was a chance for me to say, ‘thank you for trusting me.’”
We can see why they do, Ms. Porter!
The TP Collaboration Clean-up Crew!