Almost every neighborhood has at least a few dead spaces. A set of empty storefront windows or a stretch of tall wooden fence can make an otherwise welcoming community feel cold and abandoned. Our friends over at the Neighbors Project have declared war on such spaces and are launching New Life for Dead Spaces, a project that will, "transform five participating properties into lively neighborhood spaces."

This is why we love the Neighbors Project so much. They come up with an idea that strengthens the bonds of a neighborhood and then welcome everyone to help out. Just as important as the resurrected dead space or new community bulletin board are the personal relationships that grow from working together on a project.

For too many housing seekers, new neighborhoods are intimidating and overwhelming - especially if that new neighborhood is far from friends and family. Collaborative neighborhood projects are a fantastic way for new residents to get to know their new neighborhood. Unfortunately, projects like New Life for Dead Spaces that strengthen and empower communities are hidden from someone considering moving to a new neighborhood. With MoveSmart.org, these and other neighborhood initiatives will - for the first time - influence that decision.

bulletin board by Rudy A. Girón /Antigua Guatemala Daily Photo via Neighbors Project