Kinston youth-led organization announces plans for new neighborhood hub

Kinston, NC (WITN) – An eastern Carolina nonprofit plans to build a new neighborhood center providing services and resources to community members.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary of service, Kinston Teens plans to build the center along the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard corridor near the old shirt factory.

Construction is expected to begin next year.

According to Kinston Teens, it is a “youth-led nonprofit organization committed to empowering young people through service, leadership and civic engagement.”

They say the hub, which is currently in its fundraising phase, will include:

• Community meeting spaces and classrooms for events, family gatherings, meetings and workshops
• A commercial kitchen to support food startups or provide meals in the event of a disaster
• A roof terrace area, water collection systems and a green roof to promote sustainability
• Solar panels and battery storage to ensure the facility remains operational during extreme weather events or unplanned power outages
• Multi-generational programs aimed at healing, learning and building resilience within the community

“As we celebrate our 10 years of service, this new facility will transform both our organization and our community,” said
Chris Suggs, executive director of Kinston Teens. “This represents the next phase of our commitment to providing youth empowerment, resilience building and community development resources in East Kinston. »

The organization says it is seeking funding from the EPA’s Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant, state and federal grants, private foundations and local fundraising efforts.

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