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We Build Bethlehem

The road to equity and vibrancy.

We Build Bethlehem is a civic engagement initiative that prioritizes community needs and empowers community partners through:

  • the City's delivering of services
  • the City's support of services through funding resources, with the newest being the "Community Recovery Fund"
  • and the City's collaboration with service providers

In 2022, the community was asked how we should allocate our once-in-a-generation American Rescue Plan funds that were meant to help meet pandemic recovery goals. This meant balancing short and long-term investments, finding systemic solutions to prevent problems in the first place, and finding sustainable solutions which are financially supported and prioritized permanently.

The Community Recovery Fund was created to directly address the various priorities expressed by the community, while specific housing needs --  (permanent homeless sheltering and affordable housing) -- are being met through allocations passed by City Council. We are meeting other community priorities via grants, direct city services and strategic partnerships.

Check out each priority area to find out how it is being addressed.

Published projects

Public Communication Tools

Reaching out to you, wherever you are! In order to better communicate to our residents, businesses and community organizations, we have employed several different communication tools to ensure that you are always in the know.

Affordable Housing

All Bethlehem residents should have access to safe, affordable housing. The city is investing not only in initiatives in order to continue affordable housing services but investing in long term plans in order to create housing stability in Bethlehem.

Homeless Shelter

We have a moral obligation to ensure no one dies from exposure to the elements. As the city works to open a year-round permanent shelter, the city works with several community partners in order to continue the support that they are providing for our community.

Parks and Recreation

Bethlehem is a major provider of park and recreation opportunities through the provision and maintenance of over 30 parks that range from large regional parks to smaller lots and neighborhood parks whilst ensuring that all recreational opportunities are accessible.

Food Assistance

We believe food access is a necessity for individual and community health. We believe all our community members, regardless of income, need and deserve regular access to healthy and affordable food and produce.

Child Care Support

All families, regardless of income level, should have access to high-quality childcare and after-school programs for their kids to enrich academic learning, provide essential social connections, and support long-term mental and physical health.

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