The Hara Initiative is a grassroots organisation working with marginalised communities in Amman to co-design more equitable urban futures. Registered with the Ministry of Social Development, its work is carried out by volunteers committed to socio-spatial justice. The initiative draws its ethos from hara, a neighbourhood as a unit of collective life, historically marked by communal ties, mutual support, and shared responsibility; values eroded by Amman’s rapid urbanisation and top-down planning.
Founded in 2005, the project began when its founder left Greater Amman Municipality in response to neglect of East Amman’s communities. Early activities involved small-scale neighbourhood improvements where residents contributed funds, shared responsibilities, and supported families facing hardship, reinforcing a culture of mutual care.
Hara Initiative uses participatory approaches that integrate social, physical, and cultural dimensions of community life, fostering shared ownership of resources, accountability, and care. Since 2005, it has worked across five hara(s) in deprived districts, demonstrating how grassroots initiatives can generate sustained solidarity and locally grounded urban change.