People, Places and Programs: The Untapped Value of Community Hubs

Spaces that support and connect communities play an essential role in providing public benefits and economic opportunities, and instilling a sense of belonging for residents. When properly resourced and adequately community-driven, community hubs are invaluable to flourishing communities. Different from typical “essential services” such as food banks or shelters, a community hub still provides another type of essential service, supporting community power in removing barriers to meeting basic needs.

Through twelve case studies from coast to coast to coast, this research demonstrates the great potential that is unlocked when community hubs are properly supported by funds, relation...