LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Empowering West Louisville from the inside out, that’s the goal of a new coalition of Louisville churches.

It started at Simmons, an historically black college, and has spread to more than a half dozen mostly white churches.

There's a lot to like in West Louisville, beautiful homes, parks and parkways, and hard-working people.

But there are also vacant houses, abandoned factories, unemployment, and pockets of crime.

“What is needed is for the people in West Louisville to be empowered,” said Kevin Cosby, president of Simmons College of Kentucky.

That's why Cosby says the school has formed a new coalition of urban and suburban, black and white churches to empower West Louisville.

More at WDRB 41.

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WHAS-11 Video:

Hundreds came to St. Stephen Baptist Church Thursday, September 23 for Empower West Louisville, a coalition of urban and suburban churches with the goal of strengthening West Louisville communities through a renewed support of West Louisville businesses and community nonprofits and institutions, under the focus of faith and progress.

Along with the summit was also announced the SEED (Sowing Excellence through Economic Development) microloan program, in tandem with Kiva Zip in Louisville, where no-interest microloans will be given to qualifying small business efforts. Before and during the actual summit, a marketplace featuring local West Louisville-focused businesses presented their goods and services in the goal of having new customers and markets.