Kingston
Joining forces with Kingston residents, the neighborhood association, and local businesses, we helped bring life back to a space where community members can learn and play.
In an area nestled between Avondale and Woodlawn—divided by I-20/I-59—is a community that is often forgotten. Kingston’s namesake, was an 1800s Birmingham resident, attorney, and early settler, Peyton King.
In the 1950s, Kingston became the location of housing project, Rev. Dr. Morrell Todd Homes Village (formerly known as Morton Simpson Village), which accommodates 7000 residents. Three schools were built to serve the children of Kingston: Dupuy Elementary School, Gibson Elementary School, and Kingston Elementary. Over time, as the population of the neighborhood declined, businesses, schools, and health care locations were forced to close.
Of the schools mentioned above, only one is operational today, Dupuy Alternative School. Kids who don’t attend Dupuy make the commute to Hays K-8 in Avondale.
Without access to fresh produce in a local grocery story or with limited access to healthcare, residents depend on non-profit agencies and public funds to address the needs of the community.
As one of Live HealthSmart Alabama’s supported neighborhoods, a comprehensive plan to improve the health of Kingston’s residents was developed.
Joining forces with Kingston residents, neighborhood association, and local businesses, we are creating a sustainable model for community improvements—using resources that include a mobile food market and mobile wellness van and are supported by changes in the built environment that improve safety, increase neighborhood walkability, and beautify the community.
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