NeighborWorks Sets New Record with Increased Beautiful Blocks Grants in Northeastern PA

NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania has set a new record this year by awarding the highest number of grants through its "Beautiful Blocks" initiative. The program provided funding for exterior home improvements at 157 properties in Scranton, 73 in Carbondale, and 58 in Pittston. Managed by NeighborWorks with assistance from various partners, Beautiful Blocks offers matching grants of up to $1,000 for groups of five or more residents in participating neighborhoods. These funds support projects such as exterior renovations, with property owners undertaking major front sidewalk enhancements eligible for grants up to $2,000. Since its launch, the program has expanded over the years: this is the second cycle in Pittston, the fifth in Carbondale, and the seventh in Scranton, where it began in 2019. For 2025, NeighborWorks plans to allocate approximately $331,000 across the three communities—$182,000 for Scranton's 18 block groups, $86,000 for Carbondale's nine groups, and $63,000 for Pittston's six groups. NeighborWorks Community Development Director Todd Pousley highlighted the program's popularity and community benefits, emphasizing its role in fostering neighborhood pride and n...