Who We Are, What We Do
Allen Neighborhood Center (ANC) is a non-profit community development agency that supports sustainable, healthy, networked and stable neighborhoods on Lansing’s Eastside. Founded in 1999, we work closely with stakeholders in the 48912 zip code to build integrated and synergistic programs that focus on health, housing, food security, economic development, and building social capital. Our signature projects include:
- the award-winning Allen Street Farmers Market,
- the urban growing initiatives centered on the Hunter Park GardenHouse,
- energy efficiency retrofitting through Restoration Works,
- and the Urban Pioneer path to homeownership.
Building Community on the Eastside
The following short video was directed by Shaemus Kermiet, as part of the Cool Cities Grant and features interviews with ANC staff and board members as well as the GardenHouse and Allen Street Farmers Market.
The following short video (9:37) was produced by Guiseppe Getto, an MSU graduate student, and features interviews with ANC staff and board members.
Allen Neighborhood Center on Vimeo.
Strategic Plan
We have developed a strategic plan to guide our development over the next three years, 2009 through 2011. The plan is made up of several sections:
- Our Vision for the Eastside
- Leadership Development
- Organizational Development
- Resource Development
- Program Development
- Neighborhood Development
- Housing Goals
- Food Resource Project Goals
- Youth and Seniors Goals
ANC Programs at a glance:
Housing
- Energy Preservation Initiative: We link homeowners with local community resources to restore and improve their homes to a higher level of efficiency, safety, and beauty.
- Weatherization Assistance: Sign up for financial assistance to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your utility bills.
Health
- Health Coverage: Information and enrollment assistance for Ingham Health Plan and Medicaid.
- Breast Health: Information and transportation for the free Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program, as well as the monthly Breast Self-Exam Reminder Club. Please visit our special Breast Health resource page for more information.
Food
- Allen Street Farmers Market: A Wednesday market from May through October connecting residents with fresh local produce.
- Hunter Park GardenHouse: The GardenHouse is an urban gardening demonstration and education facility, conveniently located in the Eastside’s Hunter Park.
- Tuesday Bread Basket: Every Tuesday we have free bread available to Eastside residents from 1:00 to 6:00 PM.
- Youth Gardening: Spring and Summer programs for youth in the area interested in gardening, as well as educational after-school and classroom visit programs at Bingham Elementary.
Building Community
- Eastside Neighbor: A monthly newsletter covering ANC events and neighborhood happenings, distributed free to homes in our service area, businesses along Michigan Avenue, and our mailing list.
- Web Site: You’re looking at it.
- Youth Service Corps (YSC): Community service projects for neighborhood youth. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30 to 5:30 PM and 1:30 to 3:30 during summer vacation.
- Wednesday Morning Senior Coffee: Weekly gathering of neighborhood seniors from 10 AM to noon, with presentations by visiting speakers on topics of interest.
Financial Transparency
In order to provide transparency for our finances, we are publishing our federal tax returns.


