Home Savings Partners with Land Bank to Clean Up Oakwood Gardens

The Mahoning County Land Bank and Home Savings Bank recently joined forces for their first collaboration project — the revitalization of Oakwood Gardens, an overgrown lot on Youngstown’s West Side.

Home Savings Bank donated plants and seed, and its employees recently spent a day with Land Bank leaders to pull weeds and re-plant flowers and herbs in 12 raised garden beds at the site, 2714 Oakwood Ave. The 8-by-4-foot boxes were installed years ago by a neighborhood group but have been neglected in recent years.

The Land Bank received ownership of the tax-delinquent property earlier this year.

The partnership between Home Savings and the Land Bank was initiated several months ago by Matt Strang, Home Savings compliance officer and coordinator for the volunteer project.

“I had heard a lot of great things about the Land Bank and wanted to find out how we could partner,” said Matt, a Cleveland resident. “As a company, we strive to give back to the community and we encourage our employees to volunteer in any way. Whether it’s a team activity like this one, serving on a board or working with other local non-profits, we’re always looking for ways to get involved and better the community.”

The Land Bank has been clearing vacant and abandoned lots, as well as demolishing structures no longer in use, as part of an effort to clean up communities, but it relies on partnerships to conquer these projects, says Debora Flora, executive director.

“No single entity has all of the solutions for what we need in order to alleviate the neglected properties in the greater Youngstown area,” said Debora.

“We’re so grateful for Matt and his team giving their time, sweat and kind-hearted donations to invest in the community and help launch the restoration of Oakwood Gardens. We hope other organizations see the impact partnerships like this can make in the areas where we work and live, because we need all of the support we can get.”

Despite the overcast, gloomy spring weather on Friday, May 10, teams from Home Savings and the Land Bank spent the day completing the first phase of the Oakwood Gardens restoration.

“It’s always nice to get out of the office for an event like this and it has been a great day,” said Matt. “Everyone has a smile on their face knowing we’re making an impact on the community.”

A second phase of the project will consist of cleaning up and restoring an outdoor wood-burner on the back of the property. The Land Bank has a vision to turn it into a gathering area for neighborhood bonfires and events.

“There’s a lot of foot traffic in this area, so we see this as a good opportunity to create a space that the community can use,” said Deb. “It’s amazing to see what an impact a few hours can make and we’re appreciative of the helping hands we had today.”