2000 Best Practice Awards

2000-783 Arizona Neighborhood Networks Partnership Consortium
Phoenix, Arizona
Contact: Marcia Hopp-Newman (602) 256-0784

The Arizona Neighborhood Networks Partnership is a consortium that serves the needs of Neighborhood Networks centers at HUD-assisted and/or insured multifamily and senior properties in both Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. The consortium is involved with a wide range of complexes with different needs. The neighborhood network centers are working through the collaboration of efforts by the consortium. The needs of the residents are GED classes, E-mail access by elderly residents with their family and friends, Web access for research to provide services, Web access to look for jobs.

Grand Opening of the Casa Mesa Estates Neighborhood Network Center September 15, 1999

2000-1524 Arizona National Guard/Project Challenge--Community Assistance Program
Mesa, Arizona
Contact: Charles L. McCarty (480) 988-4100

Since 1993, the Arizona National Guard's-Project Challenge (PC) has been in existence. It is a 5 month residential program for high school dropouts, ages 16-18, that provides the participants an opportunity to pursue previously unattainable educational and employment goals. In addition to attending life skills and GED preparation classes, students have participated in a number of at random community and service projects and activities. During the past year, one of the Community Builders in the Phoenix HUD office developed a close working relationship with the Commanding Officer/Director of PC, and as a result, they agreed to develop a plan whereby the volunteer students could perform labor intentsive community service in various communities throughout the state, especially those in low income rural areas. During the past year, PC volunteer students and staff have performed over 1,600 hours of community service work the communities in the towns of Tempe, Coolidge, Phoenix, and the Nogales Public Housing Authority. The value of the work performed, which included: house painting, tree and trunk removal, pruning, lawn mowing, weed abatement, and liter removal, was estimated at $20,000.

2000-1872 Wilson School Coalition
Phoenix, Arizona
Contact: Robin Hanna (480) 609-8819

The Wilson School Coalition is a 65 member public/private partnership providing needed services for the children and their families attending the Wilson schools (headstart, primary, elementary and high school). The purpose of the Coalition is to identify the ongoing needs of the neighborhood and the corresponding resources to improve the community. The resources provided by Coalition members have enhanced the school curriculum and revitalized the community by providing on-site project staff, after school programs, field trips, mentoring, reading programs, student job internships, private high school tuition and on-going tutoring, career fairs, training and job placement for Wilson parents, primary medical and dental care, new housing construction and renovation, neighborhood cleanup, and crime prevention.

2000-2198 CARE Partnership Opportunity Center
Mesa, Arizona
Contact: Beverely T. Baker (480) 962-5197

In May 1994, residents of Mesa Arizona's Central Broadway Corridor organized to respond to criminal activity in their neighborhood. Following that effort, a series of significant resident-won victories energized the community and established the Area V Community Asset and Resource Enterprise Partnership (CARE). The development of programs to address community needs was so successful that the area needed a new community center to serve the more than 20,000 individuals who benefited from the services. With thousands of volunteer hours and donated materials and labor, this new center was built with minimal cash outlay - only $136,000 for a center with a financial value of $350,000.

2000-2580 Multifamily National Field Reporting Utility
Phoenix, Arizona
Contact: Douglas J. Scott (602) 379-4456

The Phoenix MF staff created a reporting utility that provided staff with the data from the HUD MF database REMS. It adds local mail logging functions, local employee data, and local team information to provide a reporting utility that allows staff to view property information in a uniquely grouped series of reports that provides views at an individual portfolio level, team level and office level. This system aids the Multifamily Project Manager in prioritizing workload, helps to determine properties in need of special attention, and provides information to meet the local public needs.

2000-1444 Homeless Veterans Coalition
Washington, DC
Contact: Peter Dougherty (202) 273-5774

An ad hoc task force of representatives of Phoenix area homeless providers serving homeless Veterans have formed a coalition to address the issues of homeless Veterans in Maricopa County. The coalition was initially convened by Gordon and Pat Snell, Americorps participants working for the Salvation Army. Over the past two years, the coalition has grown to include representatives from the Carl T. Hayden VA hospital, the regional Veterans Integrated Service Network director, the Arizona Department of Veteran’s Affairs, U.S. Veteran’s Initiative, the City of Phoenix, the Arizona Department of Economic Security and Commerce, Central Arizona Shelter Services, the Disabled Veterans Services, Mesa Community Action Network, Northwest Organization, Arizona Behavioral Health Corporation, Downtown Neighborhood Learning Center, and Salvation Army. Coalition has lead to the successful funding application for VA per diem funds ($750,000) to provide 110 transitional beds and services to serve homeless Veterans, a pending HUD supportive housing application for $900,000 and a pending VA grant and per diem application for $1,500,000 to provide 250 beds of transitional housing and services and 10 permanent supportive housing beds for homeless Veterans, Group has been meeting bi-weekly at the Phoenix HUD office since April, 1999. Facilitated meetings with Pete Dougherty, National Director of Veteran’s Homeless programs to advocate for the needs of homeless Veterans in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Coalition is planning a major Stand Down event for FY2001. Advocated Veteran’s needs to the Maricopa County Continuum of Care. Marketed discounted VA home foreclosures to local non-profits to encourage use of these properties to serve homeless Veterans.

2000-2863 Jerry Bisgrove/Stardust Foundation
Scottsdale, Arizona
Contact: Jerry Bisgrove (480) 607-5800

The Maricopa County regional homeless planning process was dead in the water with the defection of two of the three partners. The Stardust Foundation under the leadership of Jerry Bisgrove saw the need for a comprehensive planning and community priority setting process to participate in the HUD Continuum of Care application process and to leverage more community resources into care for the homeless population. Stardust provided a grant to secure get a new collaborative process started and provide staff resources for the meetings, background research and application preparation. This regional planning process brought together the major stakeholders in Maricopa County, under the umbrella of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) the local council of governments which has representatives from all of the local governments and two Indian Communities in Maricopa County. The Stardust grant allowed the establishment of a large Steering Committee under the Chairmanship of former Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, Frank Gordon. This Committee was designed to bring to the table more than local government representatives or applicants for Continuum of Care funds. The new regional planning process involved the participation of approximately 100 individuals, among whom were advocates, agency directors, corporate and foundation directors and elected officials in the first comprehensive coordinated effort undertaken in the metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona area. The result was a coordinated HUD application for the Stewart B. McKinney Continuum of Care funds, along with a commitment to examine and address the broader issues outside the grant process.

2000-1442 Health Care for the Homeless Program
Phoenix, Arizona
Contact: Annette Stein (602) 256-2122

The mission of HCH (hereafter referred to as HCH) is the delivery of quality health care to homeless persons through an interdisciplinary approach which combines aggressive street outreach with integrated systems of primary care, dental, vision, mental health and substance abuse services, case management and client advocacy. The intent of HCH is to reach homeless individuals throughout Maricopa County, in settings where they live (streets, desert camps, river bottoms, under bridges and in shelters). HCH provides, either directly or through coordination and referral to services, a continuum of health care that meets each homeless individual’s needs with respect and appreciation for the dignity of the client. The HCH program serves all of Maricopa County, a large urban area with an estimated 12,000 homeless persons. Clients must be homeless to be eligible for services and will be provided care up to one year after they find housing. The clinic operates five days a week, 7a.m. to 4p.m. The outreach teams work into the evening visiting congregate meal sites and shelters. Case management is provided in all facets of the HCH program (Outreach team, the Another Chance Program, the clinic, and in the Tobacco Tax program). It is a vital part of the interdisciplinary approach employed by the agency. Case managers assess the client’s social, psychological and behavioral needs and make referrals to various community services to meet those needs. Case managers work very closely with local service providers (shelters, food and clothing banks, employment training centers, etc.) as well as government agencies which provide entitlements (Medicaid, Food Stamps, General Assistance, Social Security Disability, etc.). Access to health care and ancillary services, such as case management, enables homeless individuals the chance to improve not only their health, but also their general emotional well being. The aim is to help clients become more employable, improve their self-esteem, move towards independent housing and increase their overall opportunities for self-sufficiency.

2000-1424 Reinventing Neighborhoods
Tempe, Arizona
Contact: John F. McIntosh (480) 965-1344

Reinventing Neighborhoods is a continuing project by the ASU Joint Urban Design Program. The project examines the existing structure of traditional neighborhoods within the urban fabric of the city of Phoenix. The Central City South Community Charrette is the second of three case study areas in the current series. The planning group included representatives of neighborhood organizations, financial insitutions, nonprofit, organizations, the City of Phoenix, real estate developers, and ASU faculty and staff.

2000-1418 Affordable Housing Strategy
Scottsdale, Arizona
Contact: Brian K. Swanton (408) 312-7408

A Mayor and Council-adopted policy document that established the City's first ever Strategy for the Creation and Preservation of High Quality, Safe and Affordable Housing in Scottsdale, Arizona.

2000-1236 Arizona State University-Graduate College Community/Economic Development Assistance
Tempe, Arizona
Contact: Thomas E. Callarman (480) 965-5906

The Town of Guadalupe, a very small poor community, with a staff of 24, did not have the budget to hire professional staff to address many of its critical community and economic development needs. A Community Builder in the Arizona State Office of HUD, after working for over a year and a half with the Town and Arizona State University (ASU)-Graduate College staff, was able to get the University and the Town to enter into an agreement that provided the Town with staff support through the Graduate Research Assistantship Program. The agreement is not only beneficial to the Town, but also to the student participants and the University. The agreement calls for the following: ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY-GRADUATE COLLEGE Will provide two, two year Graduate Research Assistantships, that waive tuition, which is valued at $9,000+ per year, per participant Will recruit and refer to the Town for selection, first year students pursuing graduate degrees in the fields of economics, public or business administration. Will provide the Graduate Research Assistants (GRA) "as needed" technical assistance and guidance, through the respective departments were the GRAs are pursuing their degrees, to support the successful completion of specific GRA assignments or projects. TOWN OF GUADALUPE Will interview and select GRAs, and arrange flexable work schedules. Will provide stipends for two GRAs, for a period of two years. The stipends are $10,880 per year, per participant. GRAs in return, will be required to work 1,040 hours per year. Will provide GRAs with meaningful community or economic development assignments or projects. Will provide on-site supervision. Will provide GRAs with office space, office supplies, use of telephone, and use of automobile, as necessary.

2000-3216 Labor's Neighborhood Revitalization Partnership
Phoenix, Arizona
Contact: Lara E. Cagle (602) 262-7566

The Isaac Neighborhood Initiative Area (NIA) program provides comprehensive, concentrated resources to foster revitalization of the Isaac neighborhood in Phoenix. A key component for Isaac is the City's partnership with Labor's Community Service Agency (LCSA) for housing rehabilitation and infill new construction. LCSA is the non-profit arm of the AFL-CIO, and is a CDBG sub recipient and a developer. LCSA contracts with NSD for sale of city-owned land for new infill. The lots were acquired with CDBG and local general obligation bond funds. They also use HOME funds to assist low- or moderate-income homebuyers with "soft seconds." In addition, LCSA serves as a strong partner with Youthbuild Phoenix, developing at-risk youth into self-directed, self-sufficient citizens through a job training program integrated with all their construction activities.

2000-245 Rio Puerco Acres
Window Rock, Arizona
Contact: Everett Ross (520) 729-5157

Rio Puerco, an 86 unit family project insured under 221(d)(4) with 100% Section 8 subsidy, and the Navajo community of Ft. Defiance, has benefited from a monumental effort involving, teamwork, diligence and creativity. Over a two year period, a proposal, coordinated by the HUD MF staff, was initiated, financing was obtained through a combination of loans and grants involving four private lending institutions, two additional federal funding agencies, the Navajo Nation, and the State of Arizona. Many obstacles were surmounted to rebuild the 28 year old structurally deteriorating Rio Puerco Acres multifamily housing project. Factors contributing to the structural deterioration of this project included: Flat roofs, lack of insulation, inadequate foundations, and poor site drainage, as well as impassable perimeter roads. The "Rio Puerco Housing Project" involved payoff of the mortgage, arrangement for continued Section 8 subsidy for low-income residents, demolition of the existing 86 unit low-income HUD insured Rio Puerco Acres and construction of 100 three and four bedroom single family homes in three phases. The systematic demolition, new construction and occupancy of the houses is all being accomplished without displacement of the Rio Puerco Acres residents. In addition to providing future opportunity for home ownership improved living conditions, and long term affordability to low income families, this project is providing opportunities for employment in a community with a deficient economic base and unemployment of 60 to 70%. The Rio Puerco Housing Project is also providing full time construction employment opportunities for up to 50 Navajo people for a two year period and permanent jobs to four families in the long term maintenance and management of the project. The cash flow created as a result of the funding of this project is funding an aggressive training program for semi skilled construction workers. The project $4 million payroll will help to revitalize and stimulate the economy of the Navajo Nation in Northern Arizona. The cash flow created as a result of the funding of this project will fund an aggressive training program for semi skilled construction laborers and stimulate the economy of the Native American community.

2000-602 Fair Housing: Then, Now and Tomorrow – The Changing Face of Housing Discrimination
Phoenix, Arizona
Contact: Fair Housing Section and Partnership in Fair Housing (602) 495-0517

This one-day symposium concluded a week of Fair Housing Month activities. The symposium addressed the historical perspective of housing discrimination in the local area, discussed national trends in eliminating discrimination and addressing barriers to fair and affordable housing, and proposed solutions for the future that would be effective in reducing barriers to fair housing. This symposium was a result of the collaborative efforts of the Arizona Fair Housing Partnership.

2000-733 Roundtable to Preserve and Revitalize Existing Housing Stock
Mesa, Arizona
Contact: Michael T. Hutchinson (480) 644-3333

The City Manager of Mesa, Arizona one of the fastest growing communities in the United States, convened a roundtable discussion on the topic of preserving and revitalizing the existing housing stock in neighborhoods that were severely neglected in the rush to accommodate new development. A group of 30 representatives that had never met before, including policy makers, organizations with interests in housing /neighborhood issues, and neighborhood leaders, reviewed the issue and ultimately developed recommendations and a budget for consideration by City Council. As a result of this roundtable, the City manager reorganized agencies to support the recommendations.

 

2000-3215 Sunnyslope Village Retail Center Project
Phoenix, Arizona
Contact: Lara E. Cagle (602) 262-7566

A close partnership of the community led by Sunnyslope Village Revitalization (SVR), Inc., a local Community Development Corporation; A & C Properties, the developer, and the City has resulted in assemblage of 12.46 acre site and development of a 113,000 square foot grocery store-anchored shopping center in a distressed central city community. The City owned 25 parcels of the site for numerous years. After several failed attempts at redevelopment, the City contracted with SVR to market the site. SR attracted the developer to the project. A&C Properties as able to secure an additional 30 parcels, but was able to acquire the last 14 parcels ( a total of 8 ownership’s). The City ultimately contracted with the developer for the project and assisted with final site assemblage. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds were used to assemble the properties, pay relocation benefits, and make the project feasible to develop. Without the gap financing and site assembly assistance, this project would NOT have happened. The City paid relocation benefits for the city acquired properties and provided extensive technical assistance to the business owners to make their moves successful and speedy. The City and developer continue to work closely on the build-out issues on the site. We look forward to the grand opening in September, 2000.

2000-3020 Phoenix Central City South Revitalization
Phoenix, Arizona
Contact: Terry L. Davis (602) 253-6895

Phoenix Revitalization Corporation (PRC) is a small community-based non-profit organization created in 1992 to revitalize the Central City South (CCS) portion of the City of Phoenix. The corporation goals include developing affordable housing, building and strengthening community leadership skills and promoting economic opportunities, self-reliance and generally empowering the community.

The opportunities created by the HUD Community Builder Program and the Reinventing Neighborhoods Program initiated by Arizona State University gave a small non-profit and a group of grassroots leaders the ability to leverage a small budget and limited resources into a major impact on the City of Phoenix. To accomplish it’s goals and address the great needs of this neighborhood PRC developed a strategy that includes strengthening community participation, diversifying and increasing revenue sources for PRC and the community and enhancing the image of the community. PRC established a vibrant network of partners including local residents, business owners, non-profit agencies, government and community leaders to accomplish these goals.

2000-1192 Phoenix Homeownership Fair
Scottsdale, Arizona
Contact: Debbi Hill (602) 348-7488

The Phoenix Homeownership Fair has been an annual event for the past six years as a result of the President's challenge to increase homeownership especially within underserved markets. The Fair is a coordinated effort between HUD Community Builders and Single Family Housing staff. Over a 6-9 month period, the Community Builders are involved in the daily coordination with external partners to plan, market, advertise and staff the HUD booth at the Fair. Single Family staff volunteers teach the educational clinics and answer questions at the HUD booth. The external partners include the Arizona Mortgage Lenders Association, Arizona Association of Realtors, City of Phoenix, State of Arizona Department of Commerce. HUD and City of Phoenix volunteers staff the information and orientation booths, answer questions, and conduct children activities. The partners, exhibitors and sponsors provide financial support for advertising, rental of exhibition space, printing, insurance, supplies for children activities, etc. The 100 exhibitors are made up of partner membership and affiliates. In 1999, 18,401 FHA mortgages were insured in the State of Arizona for first-time homebuyers. The enthusiastic attendees reported that the convenience of the one-stop Fair answered many of their questions about homeownership in a relaxed atmosphere.

Content Archived: April 20, 2011