With the adoption of free market economics and neo-conservative policies by governments around the world, grass-roots organizations are increasingly playing important roles in the lives of marginalized populations. The future of community development rests upon the courage and imagination of local initiatives. This paper explores the implementation and development of one such project: Dans La Rue (On The Street), an emergency street kid shelter situated in downtown Montreal. By merging locality development with a commitment to social act3ion, Dans La Rue has fostered an empowered street kid community.