Resiliency Center
Early
Years
The Allensworth Community Center is housed in a relocated 1,800 sqft. 1942 Army barrack that has been adapted over time to serve the needs of the community. For many years, it provided one of the few shared spaces in Allensworth where residents could gather, exchange information, and support one another. This role became especially important during the March 2023 flooding, when the center emerged as a focal point for coordination and mutual aid. During that time, neighbors came together to share resources, organize assistance, and respond collectively to an emergency, demonstrating the strength and resilience of the Allensworth community.
The Community Center Today
In the years since the flooding, the Allensworth Community Center has continued to grow as a central hub for community life. Operated by the APA and located on Young Road across from Allensworth Elementary School, the center now serves as APA’s headquarters and a welcoming space for connection and engagement. It hosts monthly Cafecitos, community events, food distribution, and information sharing, and provides a trusted location for organizing support and services. In a community with limited public facilities, the center remains a vital gathering place and a cornerstone for collaboration and community care
What is next for the
Allensworth Community Center?
In 2022, state funding enabled the APA to begin planning a climate-resilient community center for Allensworth. In 2023, APA partnered with Self-Help Enterprises to select Dyson Architects, led by Arthur Dyson and FAIA. Working with APA, residents, and community partners, the team developed schematic designs through multiple rounds of community input shared in both English and Spanish so residents could shape the project.
The current Allensworth Community Resiliency Center Design is 9,064 sq ft that will include air-conditioned facility combining essential services in one place. It will include a health clinic and function as a cooling center, emergency shelter, and crisis response hub during extreme weather events.
Key Features
The Allensworth Community Resiliency Center represents more than just a structure, it embodies a collective vision for resilience, community leadership, and fostering growth within the community.
PUBLIC OFFICE SPACE
Flexible workspace for community organizations and local services
COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE
Dedicated space to showcase and sell locally made goods. Featuring products from a regenerative community farm.
CAFÉ
A welcoming gathering place for residents and visitors
EMERGENCY SHELTER CAPACITY
A dual-purpose hall that can be converted during crises to provide temporary beds and shower amenities for residents.
OUTDOOR PLAZA & GREEN SPACE
Shaded areas for gathering, celebrations, and everyday use
COMMUNITY MEETING HALL
A large, flexible space for events, meetings, and cultural programming
Frequently Asked Questions
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The development of the new Resiliency Center has been driven through a collaborative process. APA Leadership provided the initial vision and strategic direction, while a cross-functional planning group led the design and implementation. Community residents and partners have provided feedback to ensure the center reflects needs and lived experience. APA Staff, board, advisors, and partners have been working closely to coordinating the process, helping define priorities, and moving the initiative from concept to implementation.
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The APA is undertaking this work to support and strengthen a key community asset in Allensworth. The Community Center has long served as gathering places where residents can connect and support one another. During the March 2023 flooding, the center played a key role in community-led relief and mutual aid, highlighting the strength and resilience of the neighborhood.
Now the center needs updates to meet current county code and to expand the services APA will provide. This work will help ensure the space remains safe, accessible, and better equipped to serve the community in both everyday life and during future emergencies. And meet red cross standard to have a cooling and heating center to meet climate resilience needs for now and the future.
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We are set to break ground by the end of summer 2026. APA is actively fundraising the final $9 million to bring the full build-out to completion.
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Since summer 2023, APA and Art Dyson have been actively working with the Allensworth community through ongoing outreach and collaboration. The process has included listening sessions, outreach events such as the Fall Festival, Summer Night Lights, and Cafecitos, and regular coordination to understand community needs, collect feedback, and guide the project. As a result of this sustained engagement, the plan has continued to evolve in response to local priorities and input.
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