The Urban Renewal Center

The Urban Renewal Center URC awakens relentless pursuit of social transformation. Core Values
Reconciliation | Multi-racial/ethnic involvement | Health and wholeness | Social Justice

Vision
Awakening society to its promised wholeness

About URC
We are uniting the community for positive change.

We help people experiencing homelessness find employment and transition into stable housing. Through the generosity of d...
09/21/2026

We help people experiencing homelessness find employment and transition into stable housing. Through the generosity of donors, we collect and store furniture, then provide it to individuals and families as they move into their new homes.

A stable home is a fresh start; and your generosity can help turn an empty space into a place of comfort, dignity, and hope. Help someone take that next step.

The Urban Renewal Center’s ()Housing Transition Program needs volunteers to help turn an empty space into a welcoming home in Norfolk. Your time, your hands, or your truck can make a meaningful difference!

📦 Friday, October 2 | 10 AM
Help sort, label, and prepare donated items for delivery.
📍 AAA Self Storage, 408 E 18th St., Norfolk
Needed: 3–4 volunteers

🚚 Saturday, October 3 | 10 AM
Bring a truck or help lift and carry furniture into a family’s new home.
📍 Norfolk, VA
Needed: 3 trucks and 6–9 volunteers

Behind every move is a person ready for a new beginning. Let’s show up with the practical support that makes it possible.

Sign up: [email protected]

Can’t join us? Share this post and help us find a few willing hands!

09/07/2026

Public education in Norfolk:

Black students, on average, are academically two grade levels behind white students.

Source: ProPublica/OCR

Reading by third grade can shape everything that follows—and together, we can help Norfolk’s children build a strong fou...
09/06/2026

Reading by third grade can shape everything that follows—and together, we can help Norfolk’s children build a strong foundation for the future. 📚

The Urban Renewal Center is excited to partner with the Life Enrichment Center to support young readers in Norfolk Public Schools through one-on-one literacy tutoring.

We’re looking for caring volunteers willing to give just one hour, one day a week, for one school year to work with a child in grades K–2. No teaching experience is needed—training is provided!

- Information Session & Training
Thursday, September 17
- First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk
820 Colonial Ave., Norfolk, VA 23507
- 10:00–11:30 AM OR 5:30–7:00 PM

Tutoring begins in October 2026.

One hour. One child. One year. The impact could last a lifetime.

👉 Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdeTcyrGqazU4mEuFzvChXVZNNcBIZ0HC-2C8WSd8cvb7fNQw/viewform

09/06/2026

Economics in Norfolk:

In Norfolk City, median household income is $91,319 for white households and $49,682 for Black households, that is, roughly a 46% gap, and wider than the statewide spread.

Norfolk is about 43% white and 39% Black, so this isn’t a small-sample artifact. Black unemployment in the city runs around 7% against 4.8% for white residents.

Source: GHRConnects

🚨Note the location change!🚨Violence must not win. Hope will!Join us for the 4th Evening of Hope—an unforgettable evening...
08/03/2026

🚨Note the location change!🚨
Violence must not win. Hope will!

Join us for the 4th Evening of Hope—an unforgettable evening of music, remembrance, and healing as we unite to honor lives lost to violence, stand with survivors, and declare that hope is stronger than fear.

- Wednesday, October 7, 2026
- 7:00 PM
- Bethel Temple Church, Hampton, Virginia

Featuring the Virginia Symphony Orchestra () with special guests Elizabeth City University Concert Choir, Brian Darden II (The Voice) (.d.ii) and Rebecka Hoffman ().

Let’s come together as one community to remember, heal, and inspire hope for the next generation.

Violence must not have the final word. Hope will.

Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸Today we celebrate 250 years of this nation's story — its freedoms, its founding, and the enduring ...
07/04/2026

Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸

Today we celebrate 250 years of this nation's story — its freedoms, its founding, and the enduring hope that "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty" still stirs in us.

As we mark this milestone, may we give thanks for the blessings of freedom and recommit ourselves to the common good — justice, dignity, and liberty for all.

We wish you and your family a safe and joyful Independence Day.

We are THRILLED to welcome our newest ISTREAM cohort — 70 Norfolk kids and counting! Big-ups to Mary Otton - our program...
06/14/2026

We are THRILLED to welcome our newest ISTREAM cohort — 70 Norfolk kids and counting! Big-ups to Mary Otton - our program coordinator, and Trinity Presbyterian Church for the partnership!

This summer is blazing with excitement as our young learners dive into the arts, with STEM programming on the way.

None of this would be possible without a grant from the City of Norfolk and our incredible supporters. When you invest in URC’s ISTREAM, you invest in our kids. 💛

With heartfelt gratitude, thank you to everyone who joined us “at the table” for an evening of fellowship, meaningful co...
05/30/2026

With heartfelt gratitude, thank you to everyone who joined us “at the table” for an evening of fellowship, meaningful conversation, shared stories, and joyful laughter. Your presence reminded us that community is one of God’s greatest gifts. Every smile, every conversation, and every moment of connection strengthened the bonds that unite us in friendship, faith, and purpose.

We are deeply thankful for each of you and for the opportunity to gather together around the table. May the relationships nurtured tonight continue to inspire, encourage, and uplift us as we serve our communities and walk together in hope.

05/21/2026

Someone asked me, “Why aren't black people doing more about the issues in their community?”

The following are findings from social scientific research:

1. Black households have often given 3%–4% of their income to charity (at times, above tithing, if they tithe), a higher share than other racial and ethnic groups.

2. Research from the Urban Institute found that Black families contributed the largest proportion of their wealth to charity among major racial and ethnic groups.

3. Researchers also note that Black Americans frequently engage in informal giving, such as supporting relatives, neighbors, churches, and community members directly, which is sometimes undercounted in traditional philanthropy statistics.

Each month, the Urban Renewal Center welcomes a guest speaker from across our city to help connect faith leaders with co...
05/16/2026

Each month, the Urban Renewal Center welcomes a guest speaker from across our city to help connect faith leaders with community leaders who are shaping the future of Norfolk. This past Wednesday, we were honored to welcome Dr. Jeff Rose, the new Superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools. His vision, leadership, and commitment to students sparked meaningful conversation about the vital partnership between education, faith, and the broader community. Together, we reflected on how the faith community serves as an important partner in helping children and families thrive — offering encouragement, mentorship, support, and hope so that every student has the opportunity to excel both in and beyond the classroom.

Address

820 Colonial Avenue
Norfolk, VA
23507

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Urban Renewal Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The School

Send a message to The Urban Renewal Center:

Shortcuts

Share