Section I - Summary of Activities

Section II - Outreach Efforts

Section III - Budget

Section IV - Year 2 Projects/ Conclusions
 
 

Section I: Summary of Activities

Monday, August 5, 1996 was the first day of operations for the East St. Louis Neighborhood Technical Assistance Center (NTAC) . The Center began with funding from the East St. Louis Community Development Block Grant Operations Corp. (CDBG) the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The NTAC was developed through this joint partnership to provide technical assistance to neighborhood organizations, non-profits, municipal agencies, and community businesses successfully execute community development projects. In the past year the NTAC has worked with over forty 40 community-based organizations on over 100 technical assistance requests. Our staff has provided organizational, planning, and design assistance to the increasing number of residents and neighborhood groups active in projects that enhance the quality of life in East St. Louis.

NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS

Alta Sita Neighborhood Association

NTAC staff provided research, training, and volunteer recruitment for the Alta Sita Neighborhood Association. The research conducted pertained to parcel ownership and municipal services related to code enforcement and demolition. Four (4) members of Alta Sita attended four courses to learn about the code enforcement demolition process. Over fifty (50) volunteers from the University of Illinois and area high schools were recruited to work on five occasions in Alta Sita. Three projects included lot clean-ups, two involved scraping/painting of a home, and one involved beautification of an Urban Resources Partnership (URPS) project site. In addition NTAC assisted in the application that successfully designated Alta Sita as a U.S. Department of Justice Weed and Seed site and resulted in the awarding of $9,000 to support the neighborhood organization's housing initiatives.

Edgemont Neighborhood Association

NTAC staff has worked with the Edgemont Neighborhood Association on research, volunteer recruitment, grant writing and mapping/analysis. Staff conducted research on municipal issues, provided information regarding membership development, recruited over twenty (20) volunteers for flyering and surveying and produces maps showing the provision of lighting in Edgemont. The NTAC assisted in the preparation of a successful application for Edgemont to receive Weed and Seed status from the U.S. Department of Justice. This designation led to a $9,000 grant for housing and community development activities..

Emerson Park Development Corporation (EPDC)

NTAC has worked with EPDC o projects involving research, volunteer recruitment, mapping and analysis, nonprofit management, grant writing and training. Specifically, the NTAC conducted research on funding sources, Tax Increment Financing and Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). The NTAC recruited over thirty (30) volunteers from the University of Illinois and St. Louis colleges to work on lot cleanups and housing construction. The NTAC updated the neighborhood map and assisted in the development of the operating budget that was the basis for a $30,000 grant from the East St. Louis Community Fund. The NTAC also assisted in the preparation of a successful application for Emerson Park to receive Weed and Seed Site status from the U.S. Department of Justice. This designation led to a $9,000 grant to support housing and community development activities in Emerson Park.

Lansdowne Improvement Association

NTAC staff has worked with the Lansdowne neighborhood group on research, proposal development, grant writing, and volunteer recruitment. Specific projects include the successful development of a successful $8,000 Urban League grant for youth mentoring and $4,000 grant from Americorps for Martin Luther King day volunteer activities. Over fifty (50) volunteers were provided for the development of pocket parks funded by URPS.

Loisel Hills Improvement Association

The NTAC recruited ten (10) University of Illinois students to clear overgrown public lands in the Loisel Hills Neighborhood.

Olivette Park Neighborhood Association

NTAC staff provided assistance to OPNA on requests for research, proposal development, grant writing, and non-profit management assistance. Specific projects include assistance in writing a successful $5,000 grant application from Ecumenical Services in St. Louis, recruitment of over thirty (30) volunteers from the University of Illinois and alternative spring breakers from area colleges for lot clean-up and painting/scraping projects. NTAC staff has also assisted OPNA officers in preparing for public meetings, including planning sessions for the Metrolink extension.

Rush City Improvement Association

NTAC staff assisted the Rush City neighborhood group in preparing and Environmental Protection Agency grant applications.

Winstanley Industry/Park Neighborhood Organization (WIPNO)

NTAC staff has worked with WIPNO by conducting research, assisting in proposal development, non-profit management, and providing Internet/computer access. WIPNO staff and NTAC staff worked on developing an operating budget, researching potential funding sources, and developing plans to complete work on their CDBG HOME grant.

NON-PROFITS

Neighborhood Law Office (Advocacy)

The NTAC has provided staff from the Neighborhood Law Office with research on property ownership, Tax Increment Financing and Low Income Housing Tax Credits. In addition, NTAC provided maps, and letters in support of grant applications.

Katherine Dunham Centers for Arts and Humanities (Arts and Youth)

The NTAC has worked with the Dunham Centers on a number of projects, including research, grant writing, proposal development, Internet access, and mapping. Specifically, the NTAC has assisted in the development of successful grant applications, including the Illinois Arts Council ($20,000) , the Illinois Humane Society ($10,000), the United Way ($13,500), the Benton Foundation ($3,000), and the Urban Resources Partnership (URPS) grant. These grants support the Katherine Dunham Children's Workshop through the provision of staff salaries, funds for computers and improvements to the Dunham Museum landscape.

In addition, the NTAC staff has provided assistance with the formation of a Dunham Board of Directors, research on tax and debt issues, development of an operating budget, and the production of the first annual DunhamFest ($10,000 raised).

East St. Louis Metropolitan Chaplaincy, Inc. (Faith Based)

NTAC staff provided this organization with research on corporate funders and developed cover letters sent in support of their proposal for funding.

Aldersgate Community Development Center (Faith Based)

NTAC staff has worked with Aldersgate on developing a proposal to encourage neighborhood beautification. In addition NTAC assisted in getting Edgemont designated as a Weed and Seed site which resulted in a $12,000 grant to support Aldersgate's work with youth development.

Family Life Center and the Sinai Family Life Center (Faith Based)

The NTAC has provided assistance two faith based organizations to support their attempts at developing a Family Life Center to deliver needed social services to community residents. NTAC staff researched existing social services, possible funding sources, information resources, and made recommendations on how to move these projects forward. This information has since been presented to CDBG as part of a preliminary funding request.

Ark of Safety (Homeless Shelter)

NTAC staff assisted this shelter in proposal development and grant writing and nonprofit management. This grant was submitted to CDBG's Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) program.

Baker Place (Homeless Shelter)

NTAC staff assisted with proposal development and grant writing in support of an ESG application.

Dorris' Helping Hand (Homeless Shelter)

NTAC staff assisted in a successful ESG grant application and in an application for funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community affairs.

Good Shepard (Homeless Shelter)

NTAC staff has assisted Good Shepard in successful ESG grant applications and in compiling financial data and reports in support of that grant. Staff also assisted in the preparation of grants applications to the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.

Scrivens Jones (Homeless Shelter)

Staff assisted in the development of an ESG application.

Shining Light (Homeless Shelter)

Staff assisted in the development of a successful ESG application.

Citizens for the Future (CFF) (Housing)

NTAC staff worked with CFF by providing research, nonprofit management and mapping assistance. Specifically, the NTAC provided CFF with information about local housing initiatives, maps of their properties, and training/assistance in advertising for a director.

Faith Based Housing Initiative (Housing)

NTAC staff worked with this consortium of non-profits, led by Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House, Catholic Urban Programs, the Family Center, and Emerson Park Development Corporation, by providing research, and mapping. Specifically, NTAC staff provided a sample pro-forma, information about the HOME program and other housing funders, and maps showing parcel ownership at sites that currently contain four (4) houses owned by low income families.

Alta Sita Development Corporation (Open Space)

NTAC staff conducted research on developing an entrepreneurship program, and has recruited ten (10) volunteers to paint and repair playground equipment in Virginia Park.

Carver Community Center (Social Service Provider)

NTAC staff has provided the Carver Community Center with assistance in non-profit management, proposal development, grant writing, and volunteer recruitment. Specifically NTAC staff has worked with Carver Community Center on obtaining 501(c)3 status, developing successful grant applications, including CDBG ($75,000), and URPS ($10,000), and recruiting over fifty (50) volunteers for cleaning and upgrading the Carver facilities.

East St. Louis Salvation Army (Social Service Provider)

NTAC staff conducted research on area Realtors and staff support for initiatives of the Salvation Army.

Eagle's Nest (Transitional Housing)

NTAC staff has worked with Eagle's Nest on research, nonprofit management, and proposal development. Specifically NTAC staff researched transitional housing facilities, provided information about funding sources, developed and provided training for an operating board, and recruited students to develop a boilerplate funding proposal.

Dashers Track Club (Youth)

NTAC staff assisted the Track Club in obtaining a Youth Development Grant from the EC/CDBG by assisting in the creation of a grant application.

Jackie Joyner Kersee Youth Center (Youth)

NTAC staff assisted the Youth Center by providing digital mapping, and the creation of a Jackie Joyner Kersee Youth Center website at the University of Illinois.

INDIVIDUALS

The NTAC has been utilized by a number of individual East St. Louisans for use of specific resources available at our offices. Individuals served include Carolyn Wicks, Dedria Crawley, Doris Stewart, Fern Watts, John Brooks, Kevin Forrest, and Sheri Smith. These individuals have utilized the NTAC reference library, computers, and Internet access to conduct research, create maps, and proposals.
 
 

FOR PROFITS

NTAC staff has provided information to for-profit groups that are working on community development projects. Those organizations typically received one-time research that was previously collected, and include the Steel Core Housing Corporation, Krieigsfeld Corporation, Professional Development Group Midwest, and Stafford & Associates.

OTHERS

The NTAC has assisted a number of other organizations on short term projects when they provide specific benefit to the organizations that are our main clients. Specifically, the NTAC has worked with East St. Louis Housing Authority, U.S. Attorney's Office, and Southern Illinois University East St. Louis Center on developing or supporting community development activities.

Section II: Outreach Efforts

NTAC staff has attended hundreds of meetings with neighborhood leaders, municipal officials, community businesses, and interested outside parties. The goals of these meetings is to communicate the NTAC mission, identify community development projects, and to increase interest in development activities in East St. Louis. Most of the meetings attended were the regular monthly meetings of neighborhood organizations. NTAC staff attended the following number of meetings of those organizations:

Alta Sita Neighborhood Association - 8

Carver Community Center - 8

East St. Louis Community Action Network - 7

Edgemont Neighborhood Association - 8

Emerson Park Development Corporation - 2

Lansdowne Improvement Association - 5

Olivette Park Neighborhood Organization - 10

Parkside Neighborhood Association - 1

Rush City Neighborhood Association - 2

Winstanley/Industry Park Neighborhood Organization - 1

In addition to attendance at public forums, newspapers, radio and television were utilized to publicize the NTAC and its services. 2 St. Louis Post Dispatch articles, 2 Belleville News Democrat articles, and appearances on WESL Radio, and Channel 12 are included in this publicity.

Section III: Budget (See attached)

The NTAC expended only 54% of its CDBG allocation in 1996.

Section IV: Year 2 Projects/Conclusions

Although the NTAC's first year of operation witnessed a number of successes, there are a number of places where improvements can be made.

1. Training/Capacity Building

One of the main focuses of the NTAC is building the capacity of our clients so that they can begin undertaking more and more complex projects on their own. Because of the large number of clients and the amount of "emergency" technical assistance requests training took a back seat in year one. However, steps are being taken to ensure that year two has a more narrow focus on capacity building. The following programs have been planned for 1997- 1998:

a. Internet Training (October 1- 7, 1997) - All clients will be encouraged to attend a training course introducing them to the Internet and learning how to utilize it for research and fundraising. Those who attend the courses will receive priority attention for future requests.

b. Nonprofit Management Training (November 17 - 21, 1997) - This weeklong seminar will focus on the basics of nonprofit management, including board development, accounting, budgeting, and strategic planning.

c. Fundraising -- (December 8-12, 1997) - The Grantsmanship Center will provide a four day training course for local non-profits that will hone the fundraising and grantsmanship skills of boards and staff of local community organizations and non-profits

d. Enterprise Foundation Initiative (Spring 1998) - Since the number of groups requesting information about housing development was so large in 1996, the NTAC staff is working with the Enterprise Foundation on bringing their training and funding to East St. Louis. The NTAC will be working with a number of organizations to form a city-wide housing development organization in support of this initiative.

2. Expansion of Staff

In order to meet the demand of neighborhood organizations and non-profits, the NTAC will be adding the following staff members in 1997-1998:

a. Staff Design Specialist - In order to provide on-site architectural and design assistance a new staff member will be added utilizing CDBG funds. This will allow the NTAC to work with groups on landscaping and design related community development initiatives.

b. Enterprise Community Planner - Because issues facing East St. Louis organizations exist in the surrounding Enterprise Communities the NTAC will provide an additional planning position to work with groups in East St. Louis, Brooklyn, Washington Park, Centerville, and Alorton.

By undertaking the initiatives mentioned above, the NTAC is poised to repeat its successes of the last year and improve on weaknesses identified. With continued support from CDBG, HUD, and the University of Illinois, the NTAC will be poised to become an independent non-profit entity in its third year, with two years of success under its belt.

Salaries and Wages

The NTAC Director and Staff Architect receive salaries of $38,520 and $32,000 respectively. The NTAC Director’s salary is 7% higher than in 1996 due to a raise provided by the University based on cost -of-living adjustment, job market wage rate, raises in other departments, and merit. In addition the Staff Architect salary will start at $31,000 per year, but can receive a $1,000 salary boost by successfully taking and passing the Architecture Licensing exam. Graduate Research Assistant salaries were based on Department and University guidelines.

Expenses

Rent ($7,293) This amount represents 81% of the $9,000 in total rent due for 1997-1998. The additional $1,707 will be paid from HUD budget. This request is $2,293 more than last year’s and is due to the increase in rent to $750 a month and a reduction in the overall HUD budget.

Utilities ($2,000) This amount is the same as last year’s request. It is sufficient in light of the approximately $1,800 in utility bills from 1996-1997.

Office Furniture ($2,992) - In 1996-1997 the NTAC was furnished entirely by the University of Illinois through the use of surplus office furniture. However, this furniture is of a low quality and chairs have fallen into disrepair and become unusable. In order to create an appealing office space for neighborhood organization meetings and resident visits, the NTAC contemplates spending $1,000 for 10 board room chairs. The addition of new staff will require the purchase of two desk sets (@$500 each), and a drafting table and ancillary furniture ($992).

Janitorial Services ($1,200) - In 1996-1997 the NTAC staff cleaned the offices on a daily basis and provided a substantial cleaning once a month. However, due to the increasing amount of traffic and other duties this has become a burdensome task in light of other responsibilities and priorities. These funds will provide janitorial services from a local agency, once a month, for $100 per month.

Computer and Upgrades ($6,800) -- The addition of new staff members necessitates the purchase of new equipment. Specifically, these computers will be utilized by the staff architect and the non-profit training specialist and will be of sufficient power. One of these computers must be of sufficient power as to operate as the server for a Local Area Network within the office. It is estimated that such a computer with monitor and network attachments will cost $4,000. The second computer will be utilized by the architect and with monitor, etc. will cost $2,000. The two Windows upgrades will allow our two existing computers to have Windows NT and hook to the server. These upgrades will cost approximately $400 each.

Enterprise Foundation Training Initiative

This initiative is designed to increase the capacity of our clients to raise funds and enter into complex housing developments.

Research Assistants - ($8,000) - University of Illinois graduate students from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning will research topics of concern for fledgling community housing development organization (CHDO) and will be available for specific research questions raised by NTAC, CDBG, or CHDO staff.

Consultant Training Session - In order for local non-profit organizations interested in housing to move forward they will require expert training and technical assistance. Although the NTAC is conducting training and will provide daily technical assistance there is still a need to provide specific training from more specialized sources:

1) The Grantsmanship Center -- From December 8 - 12 the Grantsmanship Center will provide training in planning programs, locating funding sources and writing grant proposals. they will also teach participants how to locate grant support from foundations, corporations, and funding sources. It also covers the latest developments in on-line grant information systems and the Internet. The total cost of this program is $12,000. The University of Illinois is spending $7,000 from HUD and agreed to raise an additional $5,000.

2) The Enterprise Foundation - February 1998 -- The Enterprise Foundation will follow up this general training with very specific housing-related training which include the following four modules: Introduction to Non-profit Housing Development, Acquisition and Rehab for Homeownership, Cash Flow Projections for Community Housing Development Organizations, Financial Accounting for Community Housing Development Organizations.