July Update

Damon Y. Smith, Project Coordinator

Introduction

In the month of July the NTAC commenced with two new projects for faith-based organizations. These organizations are both interested in establishing Family Life Centers to provide social services to the local population. Although NTAC staff agreed to provide information for their projects the need for a current assessment of supply and demand of social services was stressed.

Carver Community Center

The NTAC assisted in preparing a revised submission of to the Urban Resources Partnership Board and assisted in preparing handouts for an oral presentation. Staff provided a brief training exercise on oral presentations for Carver Community Center representatives.

Emerson Park Development Corporation/Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House

In response to requests for information about non-profit housing development, NTAC staff provided a report on funding sources, information resources, and other considerations for non-profit developers. This manual can serve as a resource for entities interested in providing homeownership opportunities for low-income residents.

Family-Based Housing Initiative

NTAC staff conducted a training session that explained the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and Tax Increment Financing for partners in the Family Based Housing Initiative. Financing from these two sources are contemplated for the completion of additional homes for low-income residents.

Gateway Trailnet

NTAC staff provided maps and spatial analysis to the coalition of Metro East organizations (including Operation New Spirit) that has developed to promote greenways and bike trails. The map included parcels in East St. Louis owned by public entities.

Katherine Dunham Centers for Arts and Humanities

The NTAC assisted in preparing a revised submission for the Urban Resources Partnership Board. This information was in support of a $75,000 request for funds to renovate the grounds of the Katherine Dunham Dynamic Museum.

Mt. Sinai Family Life Center

NTAC staff met with Reverends Watson and Malloyd from Mt. Sinai Baptist church to discuss the needs of their faith-based organization. The Family Life Center was described as a social service organization catering to the needs of the community. NTAC staff agreed to develop information about funding sources, best practice examples, and information resources for the Family Life Center.

St. Louis Internship Program

The NTAC added a new high school intern position to the staff. This position offers an opportunity for local students to learn about computers, urban planning, and community development while simultaneously providing support to NTAC staff. The intern position was made available by the St. Louis Internship Program through a Community Fund grant administered by Southern Illinois University’s East St. Louis Center. The internship runs 8 weeks in the Summer, and Adrian Williams, of Lovejoy High School was selected to fill the position.

WIPNO

The NTAC staff assisted in identifying over ten possible funding sources for WIPNO initiatives. In addition we met with Reverend Watson, the new President of WIPNO to discuss debt consolidation and elimination, non-profit management assistance, and board training.

Winstanley Industry/Park Neighborhood Organization (WIPNO)/East St. Louis Housing Authority(ESLHA)

The NTAC staff assisted in preparing a collaborative HOPE VI grant for funds to renovate the Orr Weathers public housing complex in the Winstanley neighborhood. Staff provided WIPNO and ESLHA with mapping and spatial analysis and letters of support for their application.