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The Create a Healthier Niagara Falls Collaborative (CHNFC) is set to launch Niagara Falls “Community Currency” on Feb. 25. The new program is an organized exchange system where members earn time for helping other community members. Members can exchange hours of service they want or need with the time or hours they have made.
Niagara Falls Community Currency keeps track of service offers, requests, exchanges and earnings through an online database called hOurworld, an international network of neighbors helping neighbors.
A press release stated, “CHNFC continues to address the economic hardships in Niagara Falls and the number of residents living in poverty by engaging residents in hard-to-reach neighborhoods. Community Currency aims to make sure every single one of these residents has an opportunity to share their talent, receive services and build community pride.”
Co-chair and change agent at the CHNFC, Evelyn Harris said the program will promote self-sufficiency and community engagement in the city’s north end.
“Members will receive one time bank hour for each hour of service,” Harris said. “We’re excited for the program to grow as it’s a great way for community members to support one another with common needs. Members can even use their ‘time’ to grocery shop.”
CHNFC is hosting an online launch event for Niagara Falls Community Currency at noon Thursday, Feb. 25, via Zoom, where community members can learn how to enroll online and how to use the online system. The public must sign up for the online launch event at this link.
Community Currency is a 100% community-run initiative, promoting community conversations, clean-ups, Zoom meetings, and community-based interviews to create an environment built on self-sufficiency and community pride. Those skilled in legal help, cleaning, hairdressing, tutoring, home repairs and/or cooking encouraged to apply today.
The Community Currency initiative is made possible from a New York State Health Foundation grant awarded to CHNFC to continue engaging Niagara Falls residents through various activities. Click here to learn more: Community Currency (healthierniagarafalls.org).
The Create a Healthier Niagara Falls Collaborative is a 501(c)(3) that gives opportunities to residents of Niagara Falls to become change agents. The collaborative is deeply engaged in the community, provides tools and support to residents, and partners with local businesses, nonprofit organizations and faith communities to positively impact the health and well-being of the City of Niagara Falls and its residents. Learn more at healthierniagarafalls.org.