Perkins-Somerset-Oldtown is a neighborhood just east of downtown Baltimore that is experiencing gentrification, faces health and education challenges, and has a desperate need for a sustainable local economy that supports all residents. USI is leading the effort to help craft a new vision for the Perkins homes and the surrounding community.
Perkins Homes Year 2
Site Report 2020
In a city that has historically struggled with pervasive gaps of racial and economic disparity, USI is making strides to help some of its most vulnerable residents find a bridge to success.
About the Neighborhood
Propelling Educational Success
USI has seen the number and percentage of school-age youth connecting to early learning programs increase to 52%, close to our grant goal of 95%.
Improving Health and Wellness
USI has established partnerships in Baltimore to expand options for healthcare services and improve residents’ access to healthy foods, mental health supports, and recreational facilities. USI has increased participation in Primary Care participation from 48% to 94%, which is helping families to lead healthier lives.
Moving Families to Economic Self-
Sufficiency
USI partners with local job training and workforce development providers in an effort
to address the employment barriers Perkins residents have identified and to increase earned income and labor force participation. These strategies get results. For example, coordinated case management and collaboration with partners through Choice has led to a 20% increase in the number of able-bodied residents 18-65 years old who have secured full-time employment since January 2019.
Enrolling Families in Case Management
In Year 1 of the Choice Neighborhoods implementation grant, USI enrolled 1,033 individuals from the Perkins neighborhood in case management to connect families to the most needed and promising programs in education, health & wellness, and economic mobility needed to become stable and thriving.
The Impact
total household earned income
percent of residents connected to a primary care physician
individual scholars enrolled in early learning or after school enrichment programs
families actively participating in USI’s Family Support services
Understand how we’ve impacted the Perkins Homes neighborhood since we were first introduced by checking out our dashboard.
Featured Blogs
Read stories of Perkins Homes residents, partners, and more on our blog! Below view the three most recent blog posts written about the Perkins Homes community.
Local Events
Join us for upcoming celebrations, town hall meetings, press events, and more! Plus view some of our past events.
