Origins
In Illinois, residents of East St. Louis and some adjacent communities have experienced urban distress up close and for a long time. Post-war industrial abandonment led to loss of blue-collar jobs; white households moved out in large numbers and the population reduced by over half. With shrinking tax rolls, local government has abandoned many services that are commonplace in other communities. Employed residents continue move to communities that provide these basic amenities, and population loss and distress continue.
The distress is very evident. Over half the residents live below the poverty level, and unemployment is around 30%. Almost two-thirds of the children in school are eligible for a free or reduced-price lunch. Many have elevated lead levels in their blood stream that affects their ability to learn and develop. While some of the housing stock is in good condition, much of it is derelict and creates deplorable living conditions for the poorest residents. Many residents are victims of predatory lending practices that keep them from home ownership and deeper in poverty.
Despite this bleak picture, the people of East St. Louis have shown a tremendous will to address problems themselves. Many residents are actively involved in neighborhood revitalization, local churches support and often lead improvement efforts. A coalition of community organizations, the East St. Louis Community Action Network, coordinates activities among disparate organizations. These communal efforts have produced ambitious plans and tangible results: new infrastructure and housing investment; new learning and employment opportunities; increased local government accountability.
“In every encounter with our community partners I am learning something new! Where else would I get this kind of opportunity?” – Varkki George, ESLARP Faculty
The University of Illinois first engaged with the people of East St. Louis in 1987 at the request of state Representative Wyvetter H. Younge. Through the School of Architecture’s East St. Louis Revitalization Project, faculty and students proposed large-scale initiatives such as riverfront development and industrial and railroad redevelopment. In 1990, a neighborhood-planning course pioneered a new, collaborative approach that now characterizes ESLARP. It brought together faculty and students from different campus units, together with East St. Louis residents, in a process of mutual learning and assistance. This new relationship was cemented in 1996, by the establishment in East St. Louis of a Neighborhood Technical Assistance Center (NTAC) with a staff of community development professionals, many of whom have been ESLARP alumni. NTAC staff provide community organizations with training and technical assistance and facilitate connections with campus resources.
Today, ESLARP is a mature model for sustained University engagement. Many faculty, staff, and students have benefited from the learning and practice opportunities it provides. Our alumni, those who have been touched by the ESLARP experience, have gone on to hold leadership positions in community organizations, consulting firms, private foundations, and local government. They are making a difference in the communities they serve. For all this we are grateful to the residents of East St. Louis.
