1999 Best Practices
Success Stories

Program Name:	UIC-Neighborhood Initiative
Program Focus:	Empowerment
Geographic Area:	Midwest

State:	Illinois
City:	Chicago

Executive Summary
Many neighborhoods in large U.S. cities lack the resources and technical capabilities to develop community partnerships among residents, businesses, and local institutions. In Chicago, HUD coordinates a unique program with the University of Illinois at Chicago that provides technical assistance, resources, and community development for nearly 40 housing and educational projects.

The Best Practice UIC-Neighborhood Initiative (UICNI) employs a number of activities, including research, teaching, training, and technical assistance to help local residents and organizations improve lives and foster relationships with the neighborhoods. More specifically, through the resources of UIC and the University students and those of other local colleges, this program has provided affordable housing and low-cost training in targeted neighborhoods. Included as part of this HUD Best Practice are neighborhood activities, adult education, training, childcare and home rehabilitation.

UICNI has grown rapidly in recent years. In 1995, 9 community partners, 3 UIC colleges, 36 faculty members, and 61 community organizations participated. As of 1999, UICNI had grown to include 40 community partners, 7 colleges, 58 faculty members, 107 community organizations, 104 students, and 4 Chicago government agencies.

The program now includes 12 new courses devoted to community issues and 22 housing, commercial and educational projects based on research by the UIC Neighborhoods Initiative. Local organizations participating in UICNI include the Resurrection Project, Renacer West Side Network Community Development Corporation, 18th Street Development Corporation, West Side Consortium, the Benito Juarez School and the Suder School.

HUD serves in a managerial capacity, coordinating the efforts and resources of the various participating entities. In addition, HUD participated in policy development and established a board of directors to oversee the program’s activities.

Because UICNI improved internal processes within the community and provided access to vital information and resources, it can serve as a model for other programs aimed at affecting policy and housing legislation. Four projects already have resulted in changes in city and state housing laws and policies. In recognition for UICNI’s hard work, the program has received positive coverage in local newspapers.

Partners: Resurrection Project, Renacer West Side Network Community Development Corporation, 18th Street Development Corporation, West Side Consortium, Benito Juarez School, and Suder School.

Financing: Various Sources.

Point of Contact: Atanacio Gonzalez Phone: (312) 996-7194, E-mail: nacho@uic.edu