Grounds on Grand is a missional community growing out of Emmanuel Anglican Church in San Diego. The community will focus their efforts in the Dictionary Hill neighborhood of Spring Valley, California, a low-income area of San Diego county that is riddled with drug activity and gang violence. The Dictionary Hill neighborhood is known as a place where people like to spend go to get high and see a good view. People who live on the hill often find themselves isolated from the rest of their community because the hill itself is so steep. There are many instances of human trafficking and multiple sober living houses and rescue houses in the area.

In an effort to build organic relationships with their neighbors, the members of Emmanuel Anglican Church plan begin their outreach on Saturday mornings. They plan to begin with prayer then walk the neighborhood with trash bags to beautify the area. Once they have met some neighbors and listened to their stories and hopes for thier neighborhood, the church plans to create a safe place where belonging can happen.

Their goal within the first year of the initiative (2023) is to gather with 5-10 neighbors in a local church member’s home for a good espresso coffee. The intention is to serve the neighborhood through service projects and by understanding the needs of the community. Once they have earned a place of trust through consistent service and presence, the parishoners intend to invite their neighbors into their homes for coffee and to simply be with them.