The Humanity Share was founded on one simple principle: Take what you know and use it for good. Since 2007 we have worked hand-in-hand with East African communities to break cycles of poverty and build sustainable, equitable futures. Through our work in East Africa, we aim to inspire a global community that leverages the power and importance of community-led transformation. Kait TenHarmsel, CEO, The Humanity Share will be with us to tell more about this organization.
The 3sixty organization started as the neighborhood group for the Holland Eastcore area. It is now a non-profit that will be a resource for all Holland neighborhoods. It works on the fundamental principle that getting neighbors together can create change for the good.
In the 1960s many families living in the Eastcore area moved north and the affordable homes were filled with an ethnically diverse group of families, who worked at Heinz and other Holland businesses. One of the first offerings of 3sixty was a tool-lending library where neighbors could borrow tools and ask for advice to perform their own home repairs. This library now has more than 280 tools available to borrow.
When 3sixty performed a "door-to-door listening" tour, they heard 2 primary requests. The first was to have more public art in the area and the second was to improve the reputation that was tarnished by gang activity in the 1990s. In 2022 a pilot program of public murals was launched with the aid of muralist Joel Garcia. Joel grew up in Eastcore and was also interested in having more public art. The small pilot project in 2022 was widely accepted and led to a full-blown Tulip City Walls Mural Festival in 2023. The 2024 event was even larger and attracted international muralists. All of the murals are along the Columbia Ave business corridor. This year 3sixty won first place in a national neighborhood contest sponsored by the Neighborhoods USA organization.
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When 3sixty performed a "door-to-door listening" tour, they heard 2 primary requests. The first was to have more public art in the area and the second was to improve the reputation that was tarnished by gang activity in the 1990s. In 2022 a pilot program of public murals was launched with the aid of muralist Joel Garcia. Joel grew up in Eastcore and was also interested in having more public art. The small pilot project in 2022 was widely accepted and led to a full-blown Tulip City Walls Mural Festival in 2023. The 2024 event was even larger and attracted international muralists. All of the murals are along the Columbia Ave business corridor. This year 3sixty won first place in a national neighborhood contest sponsored by the Neighborhoods USA organization.