|
Community Development graduate students conducted an oral history of a community development organizations in New Jersey. This involved interviewing current and former staff members, board members, and others involved in the organization’s history. The profiles also include historical profile data about the organizations (units built over time, dollars spent, etc.). The intent of the research was for students to learn about: how and why the organization was formed, what the mission and structure of the organization is, who the organization serves, how the organization is governed, who the partners are, and how these issues have changed over time.
 CityWorks was formed by group of developers who wanted to create an organization that would bring commercial and retail to economically-distressed areas in order to supplement and coordinate with the production of low-income housing in New Jersey. Read More
|
 The League continues to be a strong presence in New Brunswick. Involved in the statewide Mt. Laurel litigation (the League’s housing zoning suit against 23 of the 25 Middlesex County municipalities was included in the state Supreme Court Fair Share housing decisions), actively pursuing fair share housing in New Brunswick and advocating for tenants’ right during the HOPE VI program, the League maintains its voice in affordable housing and equitable urban revitalization in New Brunswick. Employment and neighborhood development programs complement the housing initiatives for a balanced community strategy. Additionally, the League focuses on the educational gap in the minority community and facilitates a plethora of programs aimed at advancing youth academically and technologically. Read More
|
 In the past decade, Elizabeth has embraced an economic revitalization program like none other, one that is transforming its once abandoned waterfront into a shopping and business development mecca. This program is reaching into every city neighborhood to improve the quality of life for all of Elizabeth’s residents and visitors (Elizabeth New Jersey Economic Profile Magazine, 1999). EDC is so vital to the revitalization of neighborhoods and the renovation of business districts that the City of Elizabeth describes EDC as its economic arm and credits much of its success in new businesses development to EDC. Today, EDC is known as Elizabeth’s “one-stop shop for economic development offering a full range of low cost, low interest financial assistance programs for businesses in or relocating to the city of Elizabeth” (Elizabeth Economic Profile Magazine, 1999). Read More
|
 ”HEO is dedicated to helping low and moderate income families and or individuals find affordable housing and appropriate employment. It is our belief that affordable housing development and economic development go hand in hand. We believe that helping someone find a place to live, while very important, by itself is not enough. We must help that person find employment that will allow them to support themselves and their families, maintain their homes, and live with dignity” (Housing and Economic Opportunities, Inc.) Read More
|
 Interfaith Neighbors, Inc. (“Interfaith”) is a 501(c)(3) corporation located in Asbury Park. Founded in 1988 by leaders from various religious congregations throughout Monmouth County, Interfaith’s original goal was simple: to provide rental or mortgage assistance to struggling families with a working head of household and dependent children (McEvily, 2010). Interfaith’s founders recognized that while many religious charities provided food or temporary shelter to homeless people, there was more that could be done to assist working families faced with unforeseen circumstances or tragedies that placed them in danger of homelessness. Read More
|
 New Brunswick Tomorrow was founded in 1975 with a mission to save the city; A large order by any means. With a unique structure and a focus on the entire city community, not just a neighborhood, NBT was able to turn New Brunswick into one of New Jersey’s major urban revitalization success stories. This success is due in large measure to the dedication of its staff and board and its ability to bring in institutional partners from the city across the public, private and nonprofit sectors. The following is a look at its history, structure, priorities, and successes. Read More
|
 The evolutionary path of PBCIP is modeled in the form of a comprehensive community-building initiative. The organization derives its influence based on a bottom-up model, “… by which residents’ rights to the city become based more on what they do as active citizens than who they are as urban neighborhood residents” (Lepofsky & Fraser, 2003). This philosophy is evident throughout the organizational model, which holds members and community residents as the guiding force behind many of the initiatives that are undertaken in the community, including their initial foray into housing rehabilitation and the development of their neighborhood plan. “For PBCIP, civic engagement means that the community has participated widely… and knows and trusts the organization, and that this smoothes the way for future development” (Lake et al., 2007). However, as PBCIP continues to grow, managing the tensions between and constraints on capacity become an area of concern. Read More
|
 Hudson County is located in northern New Jersey, just across the North River (Hudson River) from Manhattan. With a population of over 608,975 and growing, Hudson County is one of New Jersey’s largest counties (US - Places, 2010). The county’s median household income is $40,293, just under the national median ( U.S. Census Bureau, 2000). Between 7% and 12% of Hudson County’s households qualify for affordable housing (50% of median household income or below). Meeting the needs of the underserved and underrepresented populations in Hudson County is one of the Urban League of Hudson County’s (ULHC) primary goals. Read More
|
|
