A community-driven nonprofit dedicated to restoring the former Shelby Elementary School and rebuilding opportunity, hope, and resources for Shelby, Mississippi and surrounding rural communities.
Community Heroes, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Kenneth Davis to strengthen Shelby, Mississippi and surrounding rural communities through education, economic opportunity, youth development, and community-based support.
The organization has the opportunity to activate the former Shelby Elementary School — a 50,000+ square foot facility located at 701 Robert D. Gray St., Shelby, MS 38774 — as a multi-use Community Heroes Development Center.
The project will renovate and phase the building into usable sections that generate revenue while delivering mission-centered programs. The model combines affordable classroom and office leasing, event rentals, workforce development, youth initiatives, health and social service partnerships, and future transitional housing as the facility and funding capacity grow.
See Our Programs| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal / Operating Name | Community Heroes, Inc. |
| Tax Status | 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization |
| Founder | Kenneth Davis |
| Project Site | Former Shelby Elementary School, 701 Robert D. Gray St., Shelby, MS 38774 |
| Phone | 662-410-4426 |
| Website | communityheroesms.org |
| info@communityheroesms.org | |
| Primary Service Area | Shelby, Bolivar County, and surrounding Mississippi Delta communities |
Kenneth Davis founded Community Heroes, Inc. with a bold vision — to transform the former Shelby Elementary School into a living, breathing community development campus that serves every generation in Shelby and surrounding rural Mississippi Delta communities. His work is driven by a deep commitment to dignity, opportunity, and the belief that rural communities deserve access to the same resources as larger cities.
"Community Heroes, Inc. is dedicated to revitalizing Shelby and surrounding rural communities by creating access to education, youth development, workforce opportunities, small business support, and essential community resources that empower individuals and families to thrive."
Vision Statement"To transform underutilized community spaces into centers of opportunity where youth are supported, families are strengthened, small businesses grow, and rural communities thrive."
Every decision at Community Heroes, Inc. is guided by five core values that reflect our commitment to Shelby and the people we serve.
Decisions are made based on what strengthens Shelby and surrounding communities — not what is convenient for the organization.
Residents deserve access to education, training, entrepreneurship, and safe gathering spaces — regardless of income or background.
The organization will manage the donated facility responsibly through phased development and sustainable funding — protecting this asset for generations.
Community Heroes, Inc. will collaborate with churches, schools, local government, businesses, health providers, and workforce partners to maximize impact.
Programs will be delivered in a manner that uplifts, respects, and empowers participants — restoring hope and dignity to every individual we serve.
The numbers tell the story of what Community Heroes, Inc. can accomplish for Shelby, Mississippi and the surrounding Mississippi Delta.
Community Heroes, Inc. will develop the building in phases — beginning with safe, revenue-generating spaces and expanding as funding and partnerships grow. The core strategy is to activate the safest sections first and use early revenue plus grants to fund phased renovations.
Secure legal control through deed, lease, or use agreement. Obtain inspection reports, seek insurance quotes, confirm zoning and occupancy requirements, and create a detailed repair budget to understand risks and costs before spending major funds.
Repair priority life-safety items. Activate 3–5 classrooms and one event/multipurpose area. Begin rentals. Host small community programs. Recruit partners. This phase generates first revenue and early community impact.
Renovate additional classrooms. Launch full youth programs and workforce development partnerships. Expand community events and rental revenue. Pursue large grants from foundations, USDA Rural Development, and federal sources.
Add health and social service wing, commercial kitchen, childcare and youth spaces, and possible supportive housing or transitional services after feasibility review, code analysis, and funding are secured.
Donate, volunteer, sponsor a classroom, donate building supplies, or partner with us. Every form of support brings us closer to serving Shelby.
Fund renovations, life-safety repairs, supplies, programming, and community outreach for Shelby.
Give TodayContractors, educators, social workers, marketers — all skills are needed to bring this vision to life.
Sign UpChurches, businesses, nonprofits, health providers, and workforce partners — collaborate with us.
Partner With Us