Community News
Community news for Grant Street is a way of keeping neighbors informed about what’s happening in and around our neighborhood—projects, events, decisions, and opportunities that impact our shared life together. It helps us stay connected, build trust, and make sure everyone has access to what they need to participate in shaping the future of our community.
Grant Street Underpass Update: Our Neighbors and What Comes Next
What happened during the Grant Street underpass cleanup, and what happened to the neighbors staying there? We share what we learned from our district’s City Council member, Matt Kopac, what remains unanswered, and our next steps—grounded in our belief that this is our unhoused neighbors’ home and neighborhood, too.
Growing the Space for What Comes Next
The Grant Street Community Garden is taking shape at 805 Simmons Street, thanks to the care and hard work of neighbors and volunteers. We’ve received quotes for a new fence and irrigation system, identified a potential $4,500 contribution from Durham Community Land Trustees, and connected with a potential donor who may help fund these improvements. Read the latest update on our progress and what’s next for this neighborhood space.
Grocery Store Update: A Conversation with Blue Cross Foundation + The Heart Association
Grant Street Community and BLK South recently met with leaders working in food access, community health, and food-as-medicine initiatives to discuss the grocery store planned for the Villages of Hayti. Learn how we are working to raise $6 million—not only to help open Oasis Fresh Market, but to build a community food ecosystem that supports Black farmers, improves neighborhood health, and remains accountable to Hayti residents.
A Conversation with Ryan Smith and Sarah Viñas About Unhoused Neighbors and the Former Boys & Girls Club
Grant Street Community and BLK South recently met with Durham Community Safety Director Ryan Smith to discuss a community-centered vision for the former Boys & Girls Club and learn how Durham is supporting neighbors experiencing homelessness. Although Housing & Neighborhood Services Director Sarah Viñas was unable to attend, we look forward to continuing the conversation with her and other City and community partners.
Celebrating the 1st Annual Grant Street Community Block Party
The 1st Annual Grant Street Community Block Party brought neighbors, families, organizations, and friends together for an unforgettable day of food, music, laughter, and connection. Celebrate this beautiful milestone and the community partners who helped make it possible!
Haven Design Build Offers Support for the Boys & Girls Club Vision
An encouraging conversation with Haven Design Build brought valuable insight, potential planning support, and promising new connections for the former Boys & Girls Club property. This relationship marks another meaningful step toward transforming the site into a community-centered space shaped by the vision and needs of Grant Street residents.
Featured in The News & Observer for Grocery Store Advocacy
Grant Street Community’s advocacy for equitable food access and a Black-owned grocery store in historic Hayti was recently featured in The News & Observer—marking the second major news feature highlighting the neighborhood’s growing campaign. The story explores how residents are working to turn research, visibility, and community knowledge into meaningful investment and lasting change.
Meeting with Maggie Kane, Founder of A Place at the Table
Just days after Grant Street residents voted to explore a future Boys & Girls Club centered on food, hospitality, and support for our unhoused neighbors, we sat down with Maggie Kane, founder of Raleigh's nationally recognized A Place at the Table. Her insights affirmed much of what our neighborhood envisioned while offering practical lessons about creating a pay-what-you-can café, building community through dignity and belonging, and partnering across sectors to make this kind of vision sustainable. Here's what we learned—and how it may shape the future of 808 E. Pettigrew Street.
Pollinator Garden Grant Awarded as Community Calls for Greater Transparency
Over the past several months, Grant Street neighbors have worked together to imagine a brighter future for Grant Street North Park. In this update, we share exciting news about a newly awarded Burt's Bees Foundation grant for a pollinator garden and gathering space, reflect on the importance of transparent communication with residents, and outline the next steps—including adopting the park, partnering with Durham Parks & Recreation, and advancing a resident-led vision for one of our neighborhood's most important public spaces.
Communicating a Desired Partnership with Durham Housing Authority
What does it look like for neighbors to have a seat at the table? This week, members of the Grant Street Community attended the Durham Housing Authority Board meeting to advocate for opportunities that support neighborhood wealth-building, student housing, local property management, and the future Villages of Hayti grocery store. We left encouraged by a positive response from the Board and hopeful about building a stronger partnership as Hayti's future continues to unfold.
803 Simmons Street Begins Its Next Chapter
A couple connected to the Grant Street Community is under contract on the home with a shared vision of contributing to the long-term flourishing of the neighborhood. Located immediately beside the future Grant Street Community Garden, the property represents more than a home—it is an opportunity to invest in relationships, hospitality, and the life of the community.
Grant Street Community Shares Vision for the Neighborhood with City Leaders
On Sunday, May 24th, leaders and elders from the Grant Street Community had the opportunity to meet with Durham City Council member Matt Kopac following an earlier meeting on May 6th with Durham County Commissioner Wendy Jacobs. After hearing more about the neighborhood’s ongoing work and vision, Matt reached out to continue the conversation and learn more about what residents have been building together.
Grant Street Park North Revamp Update
On March 14th, approximately 10–12 neighbors gathered in person for a community brainstorming and visioning session focused on the future of the park. The gathering included long-term residents, newer neighbors, Monument of Faith Church members, and local community leaders. The meeting itself was organized and facilitated by neighbors and community members who care deeply about the future of this space and the broader flourishing of the neighborhood.