Welcome to Cherry Hill
Ask anyone who knows Cherry Hill, and they'll tell you there's something special about this place. There's a warmth that runs through Cherry Hill. You see it in the people and experience it in the way neighbors show up for one another. Maybe it's the way a simple "how you doing?" outside of the shopping center can turn into a whole conversation. Maybe it's the familiarity that makes you feel connected. Whatever it is, you feel it.
Cherry Hill began in 1946 as the first planned African-American suburb in the country. With 80 years of history, developed as a planned community for Black families, it included 600 homes built for African American veterans returning from World War II. By 1956, families had made Cherry Hill home, building a strong sense of community rooted in connection, resilience, and collective strength.
Over generations, the neighborhood became home to distinguished political leaders, professionals, educators, doctors, lawyers, ministers, musicians, and others who helped shape the community and the city.
The neighborhood later experienced significant changes, including the addition of 1,300 public housing units influenced by racially discriminatory housing policies. Yet Cherry Hill's triumphant spirit endured.
Today, approximately 8,000 residents call the neighborhood home across 300+ acres. New opportunities across housing, education, economic vitality, and community health are creating new possibilities while building on Cherry Hill's rich history and the strength of the people who call it home.
Investment in Action
A snapshot of what community-driven partnership has brought to Cherry Hill so far. Explore our full Impact page for detailed outcomes across all four pillars.
Received for the Cherry Hill community through Maryland's ENOUGH Act (funding began in 2025), one of the state's first awards supporting a community-wide approach to reducing childhood poverty.
Awarded directly to residents through Barrier Mitigation Fund assistance.
For Cherry Hill families with newborns through the Cherry Hill Baby Bonus, launched in 2026.
In the 2022-2023 school year, Arundel Elementary increased Kindergarten readiness from 21 to 39%
Four Pillars of Transformation
For the People. For Cherry Hill.
Cradle-to-Career Education
Supporting Cherry Hill Children and Young People
Education has long been central to Cherry Hill's story and remains a cornerstone of Cherry Hill Strong's work. We're focused on ensuring Cherry Hill children and young people have access to strong, culturally affirming learning opportunities from early childhood through college and career. Our work centers on the schools serving children in the neighborhood, including Arundel Elementary and the Judy Center and Historic Cherry Hill Elementary/Middle School. Together, these schools have seen more than $90 million in investment in modern learning environments, technology, STEAM spaces, collaboration areas and resources for students and families.
Cherry Hill Strong works alongside Baltimore City Public Schools, families, educators and community partners to help create schools where students want to be, families feel they can trust and navigate the system, and educators are proud to work. Current efforts include kindergarten readiness, academic achievement and engagement, family navigation, educator support, high school transitions, mentoring and connections to college, career and workforce opportunities. As a connector and catalyst, Cherry Hill Strong helps align resources and partnerships around what Cherry Hill children and families need to thrive in school, work and life.
High-Quality Affordable Housing
Keeping Residents Rooted in Cherry Hill
Cherry Hill Strong is working to strengthen housing stability and expand access to quality, attainable housing so residents can remain rooted in Cherry Hill and have greater opportunities to build long-term stability.
That starts with listening to residents and working closely with tenant leadership, neighborhood advocates, and housing partners. Our work connects to the Cherry Hill Transformation Plan and aligns with broader efforts across South Baltimore, while keeping community voice at the center of how change happens.
We're focused on supporting current residents, expanding affordable homeownership, and ensuring neighborhood investments reflect what the community wants and needs.
Economic Vitality
Building Wealth and Opportunity for Residents
Economic vitality means creating pathways for Cherry Hill residents and local entrepreneurs to build wealth, launch and grow businesses, and access family-sustaining careers.
Cherry Hill Strong works to connect residents with workforce training, small business support, financial navigation, and economic opportunities emerging across Baltimore and the Middle Branch waterfront.
Through initiatives like the Barrier Mitigation Fund and Cherry Hill Baby Fund, we provide direct economic relief while partnering with employers, educational institutions, and financial partners to build lasting community wealth.
Community Wellness
A Healthier, Safer, Connected Cherry Hill
Community wellness in Cherry Hill is built from the inside out — starting with the strengths, traditions, and relationships that have sustained the neighborhood for generations.
Cherry Hill Strong works with local partners, healthcare providers, faith communities, and resident leaders to strengthen the conditions that support whole-person and whole-community health. That includes expanding access to fresh food, supporting mental and behavioral health resources, creating spaces for recreation and connection, and reinforcing community safety through resident-led initiatives.
By aligning resources and removing barriers, we help ensure every family in Cherry Hill has the tools, care, and environment needed to thrive.
Working Together
The organizations and people working alongside Cherry Hill Strong.
A proud partner of Maryland's ENOUGH Initiative, administered by the Governor's Office for Children under the Office of Governor Wes Moore.
Education
Housing
Economic Vitality
Enough Act Subgrantees
Hear from a Partner
Miss Peggy (Peggy Jackson-Jobe)
Community Leader & Board Member, Cherry Hill Community Coalition
Walking School Bus
Safe Routes to School & Student Support Initiative
Frequently Asked Questions
Build with Us and Make Cherry Hill Stronger
Donate
Thank you for your interest in furthering Cherry Hill Strong's work. Reach out to [email protected] for more information about donation opportunities.
Volunteer
Reach out to [email protected] for more information about volunteer opportunities.
CONTACT USAttend a Meeting or Event
Check for the next upcoming meeting or event on our community calendar.
VIEW CALENDARSocial Media
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Participate in Surveys
Resident feedback shapes our strategy. Watch for surveys and share your voice.
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