Russell: A Place of Promise

About Us

Russell: A Place of Promise (RPOP) invests in the people and places of Russell neighborhood, a predominantly and historically Black neighborhood of over 8,000 residents. We center residents as leaders, build pathways to wealth creation for residents and Black families, and protect residents, businesses and community institutions from displacement.

RPOP is Louisville’s newest Community Land Trust

In December 2023, guided by decisions made over years of intensive engagement with residents, RPOP became a 501c3 community land trust (CLT). CLTs have their roots in the civil rights movement as a way to support Black farmers’ access to land. They have evolved into nonprofits governed by community members  that “provide lasting community assets and shared equity homeownership opportunities for families and communities.” RPOP will protect affordable housing and prevent displacement for Russell residents by building and stewarding permanently-affordable owner-occupied and equitable rental housing, and high-quality commercial spaces. 

What your investment means to RPOP

Every dollar you invest in RPOP is an investment in the people of Russell, and their ability to build wealth through homes or businesses. These wealth building opportunities have historically been more difficult or impossible to attain due to policies like redlining and urban renewal that negatively targeted Black residents and neighborhoods. Your support helps us write a new chapter of history where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

As we invest in affordable housing for residents on certain blocks, we want to make sure that we don’t leave existing residents behind. That’s why we are asking for your support for a homeowner stabilization fund that supports existing Russell homeowners to remain in place and build wealth:

• Exterior repairs help homeowners preserve and increase property values by matching the look and maintenance levels of new construction

• Interior and exterior repairs and maintenance allows residents to age in place safely

Levels:

• $5 - grab a brush and help us paint the neighborhood!

• $25 - we’ve got some lumber to patch holes and keep critters out

• $100 - pay it forward with the purchase of new, energy efficient appliances that reduce energy bills

• $500+ - a downpayment on the future of affordable housing for the neighborhood

Thank you for helping us write the next chapter of Russell’s history - one where everyone has an equal chance to build the life they want to live.