Community Partner: Reservoir Hill Improvement Council
Intern: Ally Rogers
Site Supervisor: Eli Lopatin
What is Reservoir Hill Improvement Council (RHIC)?
RHIC’s goal is to revitalize the physical and human infrastructure of Reservoir Hill without resulting in
full‐scale gentrification and significant displacement, including rehabilitation of deteriorating buildings;
alleviating poverty and its attendant problems, including poor sanitation, crime, education, low
homeownership, and unemployment; and making the organized, informed voice of residents
influential and effective.
When I first received an email telling me about my placement for the summer, I was nervous. But, as soon as I
opened the attached document, that initial nervousness turned to immense excitement. The Reservoir Hill
Improvement Council allowed me to have a personal, individualized internship. With a few full‐time employees and a
board of volunteers, I was not just another face in the crowd. I was able to truly connect with my co‐workers and the
residents of the community we served, Reservoir Hill.
Working with RHIC this summer has been an unforgettable experience. From attending neighborhood cookouts and
farming at the community farm, to planning a Neighborhood Food Justice Forum and interacting with community
partners, I have been able to experience all aspects of community engagement work. I was able to experience both
small scale and large‐scale efforts toward neighborhood improvement, from connecting with neighborhood residents
to attending policy action group meetings. RHIC allowed me to take control of this experience and created an open
environment for me to express my opinions and interests. Through my internship, I learned the importance of open
communication between neighborhood residents and organizations attempting to help that community. Allowing
those who may be affected by any changes an organization may make is crucial to gain the residents’ trust and
ensure that an intervention is successful. RHIC does exactly that, holding monthly community meetings and taking
the time to listen to residents when they wish to express an opinion or idea. RHIC is truly a community‐based
organization committed to bringing equitable development to Reservoir Hill. I am so thankful that CIIP gave me the
opportunity to meet the residents of Reservoir Hill and the people working at RHIC. ‐ Ally
Tasks:
• Attended community meetings hosted by various community partners in Reservoir Hill and the greater Central West Baltimore area.
• Compiled a list of food justice organizations in Central West Baltimore and their efforts to help Reservoir Hill and surrounding areas
achieve food security.
• Helped plan and put on a Neighborhood Food Justice Conversation in Reservoir Hill to talk about food access and social justice with
residents.
• Worked at the Whitelock Community Farm, helping with farm tasks and staffing their mobile market and farm stand.
• Surveyed neighborhood residents about neighborhood improvement and quality of life in Reservoir Hill.
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