Sylvia Smith

I was just hanging out in the West End with my daughter when this picture was taken. I was showing her around—introducing her to the places where both of us grew up, like Laurel Homes, Lincoln Courts, and Stanley Rowe. I love the West End. I’ve lived here almost my entire life, first with my mother and then raising my own kids here. I worked for Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority for 31 years and retired this past December. I even bought a house through Cincinnati Habitat—right here in the West End. That says it all. I keep coming back. Everyone knows how much I love this place.

It’s convenient. I can walk or take the bus easily. That day, I was heading to work and passed by the library, which had been closed for renovations. I was so glad to see it reopening—my grandkids love that library. They’re young and love to read. When they visit, the first thing they say is, ‘Manna, can we go to the library?’

I have six kids and 26 grandkids. The library helps keep them focused, helps remind them that there’s still good in the world. There’s so much negativity out there, but a good book can open doors.

There are a lot of opportunities in the West End. We have the library, the CAT House, and new apartment complexes supporting people coming out of homelessness. The shelter on 12th Street helps people transition into stable housing. Where I live now is peaceful and secure—we’ve got cameras, staff, and police presence. Sure, you still have to be alert and aware of your surroundings, but I feel safe.

The churches here are also doing their part—trying to stop the violence, uplift the community, and keep people grounded in faith and peace. It's about living a good life and learning along the way.

The photo might not show it, but it was one of the happiest days of my life—the day I moved into my apartment at Tender Mercies. I had watched that building go up long before I knew I’d be living there. I even stopped to watch the construction a few times. Then I got the call from Mary, who was running the place, telling me I was getting one of the apartments. I was elated.

I’ve lived in the West End for the last eight years, and I’ve seen it grow. There's been so much progress—new housing for lower-income families, more green space, more hope. That matters.

I work for a security company called NSG. This picture of me was taken on my way to work at the Kroger headquarters. It was winter, snowing—but it was a beautiful day. For me, working there feels like a step up. Life was rough growing up in the West End. But now there’s more opportunity. The city is growing. The West End is growing. And this is home—always has been, always will be.

I see the beautiful side of the West End that some people never take the time to see. To me, it’s the best neighborhood in the city. If you haven’t experienced it—come visit. Come see it for yourself.