AN INTRODUCTION TO HUD FOR INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION +---------------------------------------------------------------+ Office of University Partnerships U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Policy Development and Research +---------------------------------------------------------------+ An Introduction to HUD for Institutions of Higher Education December 1996 Copies of An Introduction to HUD for Institutions of Higher Education can be requested from HUD USER. Request the document by title. Orders can be placed by calling 1-800-245-2691, or 1-800-483-2209 (TDD). +---------------------------------------------------------------+ TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword Introduction Program Descriptions Bridges to Work Campus of Learners Community Development Block Grant Program Comprehensive Grant Program Economic Development and Supportive Services Grant Program Empowerment Zones/Enterprise Communities Fair Housing Initiatives Program: Education and Outreach Initiative Fair Housing Initiatives Program: Fair Housing Organizations Initiative Family Investment Center Family Self-Sufficiency Historically Black Colleges and Universities HOPE VI: Urban Revitalization Demonstration Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS Moving to Work Neighborhood Networks Public and Indian Housing Drug Elimination Program Public Housing Apprenticeship Demonstration in the Construction Trades and PH Operations Research and Technology Activity Step-Up Supportive Housing Technical Assistance for Troubled Public Housing Authority Recovery Youth Apprenticeship Program Youth Development Initiative Appendix FOREWORD If America's communities are to meet the daunting challenges that confront them, the colleges and universities that are so prominent in their economic, social, and cultural lives must be fully engaged in the effort. Colleges and universities are not only creators, preservers, and transmitters of knowledge and culture, they are also economic engines, applied technology centers, major employers, investors, real estate developers, and reservoirs of creative and energetic people. With the long-term economic shift toward knowledge-intensive industries, colleges and universities continue to occupy a pivotal role, wielding resources that can help transform socioeconomic isolation into metropolitan opportunity for distressed communities and the families who live there. Through the Office of University Partnerships, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development encourages colleges and universities to expand and transform their roles in their communities. This publication highlights HUD programs outside of the Office of University Partnerships that colleges and universities can take part in, either in a funded or unfunded manner, in order to further their role. Each program allows a college or university and a community to foster a partnership that will bring positive resources to bear on the futures of both. This guide can assist you in identifying programs that will support partnership efforts. I hope that you will find it helpful in mobilizing collaborations in your own community. Michael A. Stegman Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research Henry G. Cisneros, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, established HUD's Office of University Partnerships (OUP) to encourage and expand the efforts of institutions of higher education that are striving to make a difference in their communities. This office, as part of HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research, is committed to assisting these institutions as they join with their neighbors in partnerships that address urban problems. OUP helps institutions of higher education fulfill their urban mission in a number of ways, including funding the following five programs: Community Outreach Partnership Centers, Joint Community Development, Community Development Work Study, Community Renaissance Fellows, and Doctoral Dissertation Research Grants. Each is discussed further in this guide's appendix. If you would like additional information on OUP or our programs, please contact us at 1-800- 245-2691; write us at University Partnerships Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 6091, Rockville, Maryland, 20849-6091; or access our World Wide Web site at http://www.oup.org. INTRODUCTION Most of this guide is dedicated to descriptions of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs not administered by the Office of University Partnerships (OUP). Each description contains the following topics: Purpose Discusses the program's purpose. Possibilities for Action Provides ideas of ways to be involved with the program in your community. Funding Information Outlines HUD funding eligibility. It explains whether you or another entity you can contact may apply. It also provides the funding allocations for the past 2 years and our anticipation of future funding at HUD. If a program no longer has an appropriation but still has active grants, this is noted as well. Provides brief descriptions of current and recently completed work in the program by institutions of higher education. For Further Information Provides contact information at HUD Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and at the local level, if applicable. It also gives any toll-free information numbers and World Wide Web access sites. The address of HUD's World Wide Web home page is: http://www.hud.gov. Should you wish to reach the Department by mail, HUD's address is: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 7th Street SW. Washington, DC 20410 An appendix offers brief descriptions of OUP programs and descriptions of other Federal programs of interest within and outside of HUD. PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS BRIDGES TO WORK Purpose The Bridges to Work program is a research-demonstration program to help lower income persons move toward self-sufficiency. Regional partnerships of neighborhood groups, private employers, nonprofit service providers, and State and local governments provide services to link low-income central-city residents with productive work in outlying suburban areas of job growth. Possibilities for Action * Researching area and regional job availability to improve participant job placement and retention. * Counseling participants on career opportunities, personal financial management, or educational options. * Assisting with the program's strategic planning. Funding Information Partnerships of private and public organizations were funded. * FY 1996: $7.5 million Future HUD funding is not anticipated. Cooperative agreements are active in: Denver, Colorado; Chicago, Illinois; Baltimore, Maryland; St. Louis, Missouri; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A national research evaluation will be conducted by Private/Public Ventures, a nonprofit research organization in Philadelphia. No additional funding for research is anticipated. Examples of Action City of Baltimore Johns Hopkins University serves on the Baltimore Bridges to Work board to assist in strategic planning and policymaking. City of Milwaukee The Waukesha County Technical College has a strong partnership with Milwaukee's Bridges to Work site through the college's skills center at a large, targeted suburban industrial park. Participants can receive employer-centered job training there, and the program utilizes State on-the-job training funds to cover the employees' training costs. City of St. Louis The University of Missouri-St. Louis/University Extension profiles available jobs in targeted suburban areas for the St. Louis Bridges to Work program. The university also administers the American College Testing Service's "Work Keys" program for participants in the project to ensure a good fit between prospective employers and employees. For Further Information For information on specific Bridges to Work sites, please contact the appropriate individual listed below: Denver, Colorado: David Ford, 303-893-3382. Chicago, Illinois: Luke Weissberg, 312-663-0723. Baltimore, Maryland: Scot Spencer, 410-614-4218. St. Louis, Missouri: Blair Forlaw, 314-421-4220. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Angie Serwe Turner, 414-225-0931. CAMPUS OF LEARNERS Purpose The Campus of Learners (COL) program seeks to transform public housing communities into college campus-style learning environments. The program combines comprehensive training, education, and supportive services with telecommunications technology to help prepare all family members for self-sufficient careers in the 21st century. The campus requires broad support from every sector of the community to be successful. Possibilities for Action * Planning physical and architectural changes needed for housing development. * Providing help to residents from the local schools and institutions of higher education. * Accessing the technology by wiring and equipping every unit and computer lab on campus to provide classes in life skills, computers, and educational competency. * Providing residents with e-mail accounts on the institution's computer server. * Staffing the computer lab with students from the university through work-study funds, volunteers, or class efforts. Funding Information Public housing authorities (PHAs) rely on a broad range of public and private funds for COL. Currently, there is no exclusive HUD funding for COL, but HUD capital funding may be used for COL activities. A PHA wishing to be a COL site must demonstrate a strong partnership with a local college or university. Examples of Action The Campus of Learners program had not completed its first grant awards at the time of printing. For Further Information For general information, contact the Resident Initiatives Clearinghouse at 1-800-955-2232 or Stella Madrid, Special Assistant to the Secretary, at 202-708-5029; or access HUD World Wide Web information at http://www.hud.gov/nnw/campus.html. To learn whether your area is involved, contact your local public housing authority. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM Purpose The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides grants to entitled jurisdictions (States, metropolitan cities, and urban counties) to undertake a wide range of activities for neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and the provision of community services and facilities that are initiated and developed at the local level based upon the grantee's perception of its local needs, priorities, and benefit to the community. Jurisdictions receiving these funds may make them available to eligible entities, including institutions of higher education, to carry out eligible activities. Possibilities for Action * Rehabilitating properties. * Assisting small businesses and creating micro-business enterprises. * Providing public and social services. * Building capacity of neighborhood organizations. * Planning community development projects. Funding Information CDBG grants are provided on a formula basis to entitlement jurisdictions. * FY 1996: $ 4.6 billion * FY 1997: $ 4.6 billion Future funding is anticipated. Examples of Action Chicago, Illinois The City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development uses part of its CDBG funding to support 75 to 100 nonprofit organizations in the city to undertake a wide range of CDBG-eligible activities. Annual grants range from $20,000 to $60,000. The University of Illinois at Chicago's Center for Urban Economic Development has been a continued recipient of funds for technical assistance activities. East St. Louis, Illinois The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has received $190,000 in CDBG funding from the city of East St. Louis, Illinois, to establish a Neighborhood Technical Assistance Center. The Center has helped local community organizations plan neighborhood clean-ups, design transitional housing, secure 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, and conduct research on issues of concern to the groups. For Further Information To learn more about the program, contact the unit of State or local government that administers the CDBG program for your area. If you do not know which agency to contact, call HUD's Office of Community Planning and Development at your nearest HUD field office for this information. HUD field staff will also be happy to answer any questions you have about the CDBG program. COMPREHENSIVE GRANT PROGRAM Purpose The Comprehensive Grant Program (CGP) is designed to modernize existing public housing to ensure future availability for low-income families. Funding is awarded to public housing authorities with at least 250 units and is determined by a formula based on size. The CGP funds activities such as physical improvements, management upgrades, and economic development activities. Possibilities for Action * Contracting to provide job training that will assist with management upgrades and physical modernization. * Conducting a feasibility study on converting housing stock from rental to homeownership units. * Acting as an architectural or engineering consultant to the public housing authority regarding planning, preparation of needs assessments, design work, and other eligible activities. Funding Information Public housing authorities are the eligible direct applicants. * FY 1995: $2.57 billion * FY 1996: $2.1 billion Future HUD funding is anticipated. Examples of Action Examples are not available at this time. For Further Information For general information, contact William J. Flood, Director of the Office of Capital Improvements, at 202-708-1640. To learn whether your area is involved, contact your local public housing authority. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM Purpose The Economic Development and Supportive Services Grant Program is designed to fund economic development and supportive services that will help public and Indian housing residents, the elderly, and persons with disabilities become self-sufficient, live independently, and avoid premature or unnecessary institutionalization. To receive funding, each public housing authority must demonstrate that it has a firm funding or service commitment from a partner agency. Possibilities for Action * Allowing public housing authority residents to use any available shuttle services to attend educational and employment training. * Counseling residents on financial management and credit sources to expand their homeownership opportunities. * Contracting to provide educational and computer training. Funding Information Public housing authorities are the eligible direct applicants. * FY 1996: $30.8 million Future HUD funding is anticipated. Examples of Action The Economic Development and Supportive Services Program had not completed its first grant awards at the time of printing. For Further Information For general information, contact the Resident Initiatives Clearinghouse at 1-800-955-2232, or Marcia Y. Martin, Housing Program Specialist in the Office of Community Relations and Involvement, at 202-708-4214, or access HUD World Wide Web information at gopher://ric.aspensys.com:76. To learn whether your area is involved, contact your local public housing authority. EMPOWERMENT ZONES/ENTERPRISE COMMUNITIES Purpose The Federal Government has designated 105 communities as Empowerment Zones (EZs), Supplemental Empowerment Zones (SEZs), Enterprise Communities (ECs), or Enhanced Enterprise Communities (EECs). The EZ/EC program is designed to empower people and communities to create jobs and opportunity. Designation by the Federal Government as an Empowerment Zone or Enterprise Community provides (1) tax incentives, (2) Social Service Block Grant funds, (3) consideration for program waivers and special assistance from existing Federal resources, and (4) priority for consideration for discretionary Federal programs. Possibilities for Action The possibilities for action stem from the identification of needs in each EZ/EC area reflected in the strategic plans that were developed for each community. These plans address the interrelated human, physical, and economic problems in the area and weave together the collaborations that were developed, including those with institutions of higher education. The four key principles undergirding the program are as follows: * Economic development opportunities. * Sustainable community development. * Community-based partnerships. * Strategic vision for change. Funding Information Current EZs/ECs are entitled to tax incentives worth an estimated $2.5 billion and $1 billion in flexible social services grant funds. Additional discretionary program funding is also being provided. Under the auspices of the Community Empowerment Board, headed by the Vice President, all Federal agencies are encouraged to provide special assistance to their programs in EZs and ECs. Because of the early success of initial designations, the Administration is committed to a second round of EZ/EC designations. A legislative proposal was made in the 104th Congress that would have provided significant incentives, including tax incentives related to brownfields remediation. A new proposal will be formulated and presented to Congress early in its 105th session. Examples of Action University of Delaware -- Wilmington, DE The University of Delaware, in partnership with Delaware Technical and Community College, is assisting the city in preparing its consolidated housing and community development plan. San Francisco State University -- San Francisco, CA San Francisco State University faculty helped residents of the city's Visitation Valley organize a neighborhood job training and economic development organization. As a result of the University's assistance, the organization has received $100,000 from the EC to help place neighborhood residents in jobs throughout the city. Empowerment Zone Development Corporation -- Detroit, MI At the request of the chair of the Empowerment Zone Development Corporation, the University of Michigan will be conducting an evaluation of the local Empowerment Zone program. They will also be helping neighborhood groups develop strategies to eliminate barriers to affordable housing. For Further Information Call Community Connections 1-800-998-9999 or see the EZ/EC Home Page: http://www.ezec.gov/news/index.html. FAIR HOUSING INITIATIVES PROGRAM Education and Outreach Initiative Purpose The Fair Housing Initiatives Program-Education and Outreach Initiative (FHIP-EOI) is designed to develop, implement, or coordinate education and outreach programs that inform the public of their rights and obligations under the Fair Housing Act and other State and local fair housing laws. Possibilities for Action * Conducting a public service campaign through a student volunteer organization to teach buyers how to identify housing discrimination. * Developing educational seminars on fair housing for attorneys, investigators, architects, and other relevant parties. * Subcontracting with a fair housing organization to design and disseminate a fair housing educational curriculum for other entities to use. Funding Information Institutions of higher education are not currently eligible for direct HUD funding, but they have been in the past. Check future notices of funding availability to determine direct funding eligibility status. * FY 1995: $7 million * FY 1996: $2 million Future HUD funding is anticipated. Examples of Action The John Marshall Law School -- Chicago, Illinois The John Marshall Law School developed and provided educational seminars for attorneys, investigators, and other persons interested in the effective enforcement of fair housing laws. North Carolina State University -- Raleigh, North Carolina North Carolina State University designed and disseminated educational materials about accessible, fair housing for disabled persons for use in the education programs of national, State, and local housing industry groups. The university also provided information and referral services to persons with disabilities, housing providers, and the general public. Howard University -- Washington, D.C. Howard University designed, developed, and disseminated a 6-week fair housing curriculum suitable for community college and continuing education courses, to be used as a national model. Two conferences were held on the subject of fair housing. For Further Information For general information or to learn whether there is a FHIP-EOI grantee in your area, contact Maxine Cunningham, Director of the Office of Fair Housing Initiatives and Voluntary Programs, at 202-708-0800. FAIR HOUSING INITIATIVES PROGRAM Fair Housing Organizations Initiative Purpose The Fair Housing Initiatives Program-Fair Housing Organizations Initiative (FHIP-FHOI) funds are used to establish, organize, and build the capacity of fair housing enforcement organizations, particularly in unserved or underserved locations and areas where large concentrations of housing discrimination victims exist. Possibilities for Action * Organizing a new fair housing organization. * Investigating housing discrimination to further government enforcement procedures. * Establishing procedures to refer those with fair housing complaints to community-based organizations, private attorneys, and other relevant entities that deal with fair housing concerns. Funding Information Institutions of higher education are not currently eligible for direct HUD funding, but they have been in the past. Check future notices of funding availability to determine direct funding eligibility status. * FY 1995: $10 million * FY 1996: $3 million Future HUD funding is anticipated. Examples of Action Medgar Evers College -- Brooklyn, New York The Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College conducted an investigation of systemic housing discrimination by real estate agents, mortgage lenders, and landlords to assist the further enforcement of housing discrimination laws by government agencies. The center also established procedures for referring people with fair housing complaints to community-based organizations and private attorneys so that further enforcement proceedings could occur. University of Mississippi -- University, Mississippi The Law Center at the University of Mississippi developed a fair housing clinical program to provide legal representation and community education and training in fair housing laws across the State. The clinic trained law students and attorneys in housing discrimination law, provided complaint intake services, conducted investigations, and handled the referral of complaints. For Further Information For general information or to learn if there is a FHIP-FHOI grantee in your area, contact Maxine Cunningham, Director of the Office of Fair Housing Initiatives and Voluntary Programs, at 202-708-0800. FAMILY INVESTMENT CENTER Purpose The Family Investment Center (FIC) program provides better access to educational and employment opportunities to families living in public and Indian housing so they may achieve self-sufficiency. Funds are used for building renovation and for the provision of services, such as child care, job training, and educational instruction. Possibilities for Action * Tutoring residents who are receiving literacy and General Equivalency Diploma (GED) educational instruction from students and university members. * Taking part in crime watch efforts or providing training to security guards to help reduce crime. * Assisting residents with financial aid and scholarship information through partnerships with student and faculty volunteers. Donating "sweat equity" to any renovation efforts at a center. Funding Information Public housing authorities were the only eligible funding applicants. Future HUD funding is not anticipated. Past grants are active in 80 cities. Examples of Action Columbia Public Housing Authority Benedict College and the Columbia, South Carolina, Public Housing Authority are collaborating to achieve community pride, strengthen families, and provide economic uplift through activities such as neighborhood cleanup and crime watch efforts. Dover Public Housing Authority The Delaware Technical and Community College (Del Tech) has contracted with the Dover, Delaware, Public Housing Authority to provide viable educational services for housing residents. Services include assisting residents with financial aid and scholarship applications, conducting needs assessments of residents, and coordinating college placement tests. Galveston Public Housing Authority Galveston College has teamed up with the Galveston, Texas, Public Housing Authority to conduct on- and offsite classes for housing security guards and to offer resident youth volleyball lessons in exchange for use of the authority's gymnasium. For Further Information For general information, contact the Resident Initiatives Clearinghouse at 1-800-955-2232, or Marcia Y. Martin, Housing Program Specialist in the Office of Community Relations and Involvement at 202-708-4214, or access HUD World Wide Web information at gopher://ric.aspensys.com:76/00/faminvest/familyi.txt. To learn whether your area is involved, contact your local public housing authority and ask for the FIC coordinator. FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY Purpose The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program is operated in conjunction with the Section 8 rental voucher and certificate programs as well as with the public and Indian housing program. It promotes local strategies to enable public housing residents to achieve independence and self-sufficiency. Public housing authorities coordinate provision of housing assistance with public and private supportive services. In return for an FSS participant's efforts to seek and maintain work, the public housing authority sets up an escrow savings account for the family to which they contribute all or part of the amount they would normally pay as increased rent due to improvements in their earned income. Any public housing authority that has received new funding since 1993 for Section 8 or public housing development programs must implement the FSS program. The number of participants served by the program is determined by the number of new housing units supported by the new funding. Possibilities for Action * Contracting to provide onsite educational and job training instruction. * Counseling participants about higher education and financial aid opportunities. Funding Information Funds for FSS programs come from other public and private sources and public housing authority Section 8 administrative fee reserves (if any). Example of Action San Antonio Public Housing Authority The San Antonio Public Housing Authority (SAHA) has partnered with three institutions of higher learning to implement its FSS program requirement. San Antonio College offers residents onsite college courses at SAHA's Marisol Homes, and other supportive services such as child care are being brought in from another agency for those residents who qualify. At another site, the Spring View Apartments, Texas A&M University and St. Philip's College are collaborating to offer the Telecommunications and Information Infrastructure Assistance Program. It will provide funds to help establish a learning center that will house video conferencing and computer equipment for use in literacy and other classes. The computers also will give residents access to the Internet and other electronic services. For Further Information For general information on the Section 8 FSS program, contact Gerald Benoit, Director of the Operations Division in the Office of Rental Assistance, at 202-708-0477. For general information on the public and Indian housing authority FSS program, contact Ronald Ashford, Director of Supportive Services in the Office of Community Relations and Involvement, at 202-708-4214. To learn if your local area is involved, contact your local public housing authority. HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Purpose The Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) program is designed to help HBCUs address community development needs, including revitalization, housing, and economic development in local communities. Furthermore, HBCUs assist their communities in addressing their needs so that they can meet HUD's commitments in the following areas: community, family, economic development, reduction of spatial segregation by income and race, and strengthening of individual rights and responsibilities. Possibilities for Action * Providing housing intervention and technical assistance services in the community. * Teaching classes in literacy, job skills, entrepreneurship, and leadership. * Starting and administering a Community Development Corporation (CDC). Funding Information HBCUs, as defined by the Department of Education in 34 CFR608.2, are the only eligible funding applicants. * FY 1995: $8.0 million * FY 1996: $6.5 million Future HUD funding is anticipated. Examples of Action Coppin State College -- Baltimore, Maryland Coppin State College used its program funds to provide housing serv-ices to the local community. It implemented preventive intervention so that those with low incomes were offered housing alternatives to avoid a worsening of their housing situation. Coppin State also used its HBCU funds to leverage financial resources from public and private sources successfully. Johnson C. Smith University -- Charlotte, North Carolina Johnson C. Smith University received program funds to support the administration and operation of its CDC. The CDC worked to spur economic development by creating opportunities for residents to operate their own businesses, developing affordable and mixed-use housing, and conducting human services programs. Lincoln University -- Chester County, Pennsylvania Lincoln University used program funds to construct a community learning center in Philadelphia to house various programs for neighborhood residents. Faculty and students participated in programs offered at the center, such as courses in entrepreneurial training, job-skills training, leadership training, computer training, and family literacy training. They also served as mentors to the participants in the center. For Further Information For general information, contact the Community Connections Information Center at 1-800-998-9999, or Delores Pruden or Yvette Aidara, HBCU program specialists, at 202-708-1590; or access HUD World Wide Web information at gopher://comcon.org:75/00/program/hbcu.txt. HOPE VI Urban Revitalization Demonstration Purpose HOPE VI was created to revitalize severely distressed or obsolete public housing communities in the 40 most populous cities in the United States. Today, its funds are available on a competitive basis to any public housing authority wishing to revitalize a severely distressed development. Permitted activities include management improvements, planning and technical assistance, implementation of community service programs, and establishment of supportive services for residents. The program also permits physical revitalization and/or demolition, along with replacement housing. Possibilities for Action * Contracting to provide ongoing educational instruction or one-time educational workshops. * Tutoring participants pursuing their GED, achieving literacy, or learning English through a student volunteer organization. * Working as onsite case managers. * Providing counseling on postsecondary education, financial aid, and job placement. Funding Information Public housing authorities are the only eligible funding applicants. * FY 1995: $500 million * FY 1996: $480 million Future HUD funding is anticipated. Examples of Action Boston Public Housing Authority The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) worked with the Boston Public Housing Authority to create an employment skill survey for residents. MIT faculty members also work with the program; for example, one serves as coordinator of academic resources, while another developed the public housing authority's information systems. At Harvard University, the student group Partners for Empowering Neighborhoods tutors residents, and the School of Public Health and the Medical School provide internships for residents in a medical job-training program. Cuyahoga Metropolitan Public Housing Authority -- Cleveland, Ohio Cleveland State University social work students who have lived in public housing or are first-generation college students act as case managers and tutors for Cuyahoga Metropolitan Public Housing Authority residents. Cuyahoga Community College cosponsors an on-campus, 5-week Computer Success Camp for youth entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Spartanburg Public Housing Authority The Spartanburg, South Carolina, Public Housing Authority and the University of South Carolina-Spartanburg School of Business provide a small business entrepreneurial program that teaches students the necessary skills to start a successful business. For Further Information For general information, contact Milan Ozdinec, Director of the Office of Urban Revitalization, at 202-401-8812 or access HUD World Wide Web information at http://www.hud.gov/hope6.html. To learn whether your area is involved, contact your local public housing authority and ask for the HOPE VI coordinator. HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS Purpose The Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program provides housing assistance and supportive services for low-income persons with HIV/AIDS and their families. Grants are provided by formula allocations to States and metropolitan areas with the largest number of cases and incidence of AIDS and by selection through a national competition of projects proposed by State and local governments and nonprofit organizations. Grantees are encouraged to develop communitywide, comprehensive strategies and partnerships with area organizations to provide housing assistance and supportive services. Possibilities for Action * Sponsoring volunteer fairs within the institution to attract student volunteers. * Evaluating the effectiveness of program services and how they might be improved. Funding Information Institutions of higher education are eligible to apply directly to HUD for the competitive grants and to serve as a project sponsor for a formula grantee. * FY 1995: $171 million * FY 1996: $171 million Future HUD funding is anticipated. Example of Action Chicago House -- Chicago, Illinois Students from DePaul University and the Moody Bible Institute volunteer for academic credit at Chicago House's HOPWA-funded programs. The schools offer classes for student experiential learning that combine volunteer work with class discussion of the experiences. For Further Information For general information and to learn which communities are involved, contact the Community Connections Information Center at 1-800-998-9999, or Fred Karnas, Director of the Office of HIV/AIDS, at 202-708-1934, or access HUD World Wide Web information at gopher://comcon.org:75/00/program/hopwa.txt. To learn whether your area is involved, contact the Community Planning and Development director at your area HUD office, listed in the blue pages of the local telephone directory. MOVING TO WORK Purpose The Moving to Work demonstration program presents an opportunity for up to 30 public housing authorities to design, implement, and test innovative housing and supportive service strategies with expansive new authority to use Federal resources flexibly. This approach reduces costs; improves cost effectiveness in Federal expenditures; gives incentives to families with children in which the head of household is working, seeking work, or preparing for work; and increases housing choices for low-income families. Possibilities for Action * Providing job training, employment, and other supportive service programs. * Assisting the public housing authority in establishing reasonable rent policies that encourage employment and self-sufficiency. * Helping the public housing authority combine operating subsidies, modernization funding, and tenant-based assistance into a flexible pool of funds for local housing and supportive service needs. Funding Information Public housing authorities are the eligible applicants for program consolidation. All technical assistance funds are currently awarded to Manpower Research Demonstration Corporation. * FY 1996: $5 million HUD will request future program funding. Examples of Action The Moving to Work program had not received its first grant applications at the time of printing. For Further Information For general information, contact Rod Solomon, Director of Special Actions, at 202-708-0713. NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKS Purpose The Neighborhood Networks program uses computer technology in a bottom-up, individualized approach to empower residents of HUD-insured or HUD-assisted housing to move toward greater self-sufficiency, employability, and economic self-reliance. Possibilities for Action * Staffing the computer center with work-study students to help residents with their computer knowledge. * Arranging for a computer science class to adopt a center and work with interested residents once a week. * Providing used computer equipment to the center. * Giving the center space on a university computer server so residents can have personal e-mail accounts and access to shared software. Funding Information Funding comes primarily from local support, such as businesses, foundations, and educational institutions. Property owners also may use funds from their residual receipts accounts and reserve for replacement accounts, or they may borrow funds on a limited basis. Certain HUD and non-HUD grants may also be used. Examples of Action Pompano Beach, Florida Broward County Community College is a major partner in the Holiday Lakes Apartments' Neighborhood Networks center. The college provides interns and teaching assistants to train residents in computer skills and to teach GED attainment classes onsite. The interns were critical in helping the apartment complex obtain authorization to offer onsite GED instruction. Houston, Texas The Houston Community College System (HCCS) is working closely with the Villa Americana Apartments' Neighborhood Networks center to provide residents with GED training for greater economic self-sufficiency. The HCCS designed a four-level GED curriculum for residents that could be complemented by using the center's computers to survey the residents as to their educational needs. Soon, the HCCS hopes to provide all GED instruction to Villa Americana Apartments residents online with the center's computers. For Further Information For general information, contact the Neighborhood Network Information Center at 1-888-312-2743; John W. Finch, Special Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Multifamily Housing Programs, at 202-708-2495; or Diana Goodwin, Director of Housing in HUD's Seattle office, at 206-220-5200. Access HUD World Wide Web information at http://www.hud.gov/nnw/nnwindex.html. For specific information on Neighborhood Networks centers in your area, contact the Neighborhood Networks coordinator at your area HUD office, listed in the blue pages of the local telephone directory. PUBLIC AND INDIAN HOUSING DRUG ELIMINATION PROGRAM Purpose The Public and Indian Housing Drug Elimination Program (PHDEP) awards grants to empower residents to turn the tide against drugs and drug-related crime in their communities. Funds are used to help eliminate drug-related crime and other criminal activities associated with drug-related problems in and around public housing authority developments. Money is also distributed to encourage public housing authorities and residents to develop a plan that includes initiatives that can be sustained over several years for addressing drug-related criminal activity. Possibilities for Action * Providing internships to youth involved in PHDEP-sponsored educational and employment training. * Coordinating academic or athletic afterschool programs for public housing authority youth. * Sponsoring tutoring, mentoring, and counseling programs for resident youth. Funding Information Public housing authorities are the eligible direct applicants. * FY 1995: $250 million * FY 1996: $259 million Future HUD funding is anticipated. Examples of Action Phoenix Public Housing Authority Arizona State University (ASU) has coordinated an afterschool program in creative writing for public housing authority elementary school youth. Supported by PHDEP funds, ASU graduate students taught classes at neighborhood schools, working with the students to strengthen their English and writing skills and to publish a book of their work. Topeka Public Housing Authority The Topeka, Kansas, Public Housing Authority and Washburn University Law School utilized PHDEP funds to sponsor a family mediation service as part of a larger, broad-based family development program for its residents. Cambridge Public Housing Authority The Cambridge, Massachusetts, Public Housing Authority uses PHDEP funds to help run the Work Force Unemployment Program. Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) provide youth participating in the program with "try-out" jobs that last about 4 months. Education and social work students from Boston College, Boston University, Brandeis University, MIT, and Harvard volunteer to help mentor and counsel the program participants. For Further Information For general information, contact the Drug Information & Strategy Clearinghouse at 1-800-578-3472 or Mike Main, Management Analyst in the Crime Prevention and Security Division, at 202-708-1197. To learn whether your area is involved, contact your local public or Indian housing authority. PUBLIC HOUSING APPRENTICESHIP DEMONSTRATION IN THE CONSTRUCTION TRADES AND PH OPERATIONS Purpose In partnership with the public housing authorities and labor- management initiatives designed to focus on job training and employment opportunities for self-sufficiency, the Public Housing (PH) Apprenticeship Demonstration program in the construction trades and PH operations provides apprenticeship and employment opportunities to youth living in public and assisted housing. Possibilities for Action * Teaching classes in literacy, job skills, GED attainment, and leadership. * Working with the public housing authority to design the program. Funding Information HOPE VI-eligible public housing authorities were the only eligible funding applicants. * FY 1995: $8.849 million Future HUD funding is not anticipated. Examples of Action Minneapolis/St. Paul Public Housing Authority The Minneapolis/St. Paul Public Housing Authority has used its apprenticeship funds to design a painting and carpentry program for its residents. The University of Minnesota has a representative on the board that oversees the program, and the university was very active in the program's initial planning stages, helping it identify and work toward overcoming the barriers that keep young residents from succeeding. For Further Information For general information, contact Landry Williams, Economic Development Specialist in the Office of Community Relations and Involvement, at 202-708-4214 or access HUD World Wide Web information at gopher://ric.aspensys.com:76/00/adp/cct.txt. To learn whether your area is involved, contact your local public housing authority's executive director. RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY ACTIVITY Purpose Research and Technology Activity funds research, demonstration, and program evaluation and monitoring projects of high priority that can enhance the mission of the Department. HUD selects most projects from solicited proposal competitions, but some unsolicited proposals may be accepted each year. The few accepted proposals must include cost-sharing, and they are subject to different rules than solicited proposals. Possibilities for Action * Evaluating the ability of a HUD program to achieve defined legislative goals. * Researching the effectiveness of current HUD programs. * Studying a current problem to help HUD design an effective solution. Funding Information Institutions of higher education may take part in solicited proposal competitions and may submit unsolicited proposals directly to HUD. * FY 1995: $42 million * FY 1996: $34 million Future HUD funding is anticipated. Examples of Action Rutgers University -- Piscataway, New Jersey Rutgers University conducted a study to identify mortgage lending practices and marketing strategies that lenders use to attract minority homebuyers and avert discrimination in mortgage lending. The study examined mortgage lending practices that have been instituted to interest minority homebuyers and have, lenders believe, increased mortgage access service to underserved communities. The University of Illinois at Chicago -- Chicago, Illinois The University of Illinois at Chicago performed an evaluation of HUD's Community Development Work Study program through an unsolicited proposal. The research sought to determine whether the program met its objectives and how it could do so more efficiently and effectively and also recommended specific changes to improve the program. For Further Information For general information regarding both solicited and unsolicited proposals, contact Charles H. Taylor, Director of the Budget, Contracts, and Program Control Office, at 202-708-1796. STEP-UP Purpose Step-Up provides employment, job training, and career opportunities to public and Indian housing residents and other low-income persons. It operates as a first step (1-year maximum enrollment) in a long-term training and employment continuum. It is a component of the National Apprenticeship and Training Standards for construction, maintenance, and other occupations. Possibilities for Action * Contracting with the program to provide classroom training that will supplement on-the-job experience. * Tutoring participants pursuing a GED or learning language skills (such as English as a Second Language). * Counseling participants on career opportunities, personal financial management, or educational options. * Providing apprenticeship internships for program participants. * Offering planning assistance and consultation to program sponsors. Funding Information Funding is provided to public housing authorities through other programs, such as the Community Development Block Grant program. Example of Action City of Phoenix Housing Department The City of Phoenix Housing Department has forged two strong partnerships with institutions of higher learning to provide a Step-Up program. The city has contracted with Maricopa Community College to provide classroom training in facilities maintenance 3 days a week. The institution's normal 2-year program has been redesigned to fit the shorter time length and apprenticeship components of Step-Up. Arizona State University, another partner in the program, offers program participants apprenticeship positions in its facilities maintenance division. The positions are at no cost to the university and last for a year. For Further Information For general information, contact the Resident Initiatives Clearinghouse at 1-800-955-2232, or Richard S. Allan, Assistant to the Secretary for Labor Relations (Acting), at 202-708-0370, or access HUD World Wide Web information at http://www.hud.gov/olr_abot.html. To learn whether your area is involved, contact your local public housing authority. SUPPORTIVE HOUSING Purpose The Supportive Housing program promotes the development of supportive housing and services that assist homeless persons in the transition to residential stability and that enable them to live as independently as possible. The funds are provided to help homeless persons achieve three overall goals: attaining residential stability, increasing skill levels and/or income, and gaining greater self-determination. Possibilities for Action * Providing inkind services and goods to the primary grant recipient. * Collaborating with providers of mental health supportive services. Funding Information Institutions of higher education may apply directly to HUD for funding but are encouraged to contact the area HUD office for information about a community's continuum-of-care concept. * FY 1995: $600 million * FY 1996: $675 million Future HUD funding is anticipated. Example of Action University of Notre Dame -- Notre Dame, Indiana The South Bend Center for the Homeless and the University of Notre Dame have forged a strong partnership to alleviate the problems of homelessness. Notre Dame purchased and renovated the building that it rents to the center for $1 per year. University personnel also serve on the center's board, and students volunteer at the center in almost 25 capacities, including staffing an onsite legal-aid clinic run by the law school. Even the alumni are active in supporting the center, forming the Center for the Homeless Alumni Tours (CHAT) group, which takes alumni through the center's experiential module program and offers testimonials from residents. The group raised $30,000 in cash and inkind donations for a remodeling project. For Further Information To obtain general information or learn about eligible activities, contact Jean Whaley, Director of the Division of State Assistance in the Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs, at 202-708- 2140. To learn more about your local area's involvement in the Supportive Housing program and in homeless issues, contact your area HUD office, listed in the blue pages of the local telephone directory. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR TROUBLED PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY RECOVERY Purpose Under 24 CFR 901.235, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may provide technical assistance (TA) to troubled public housing authorities (PHAs) or their receivers to improve the PHA. TA also may be provided to stem the decline of PHAs that have chronic or prevailing conditions putting them at risk of being designated as troubled in their next assessment. The Secretary may also provide TA to PHAs designated as troubled in the past and facing probable redesignation as troubled within the next 2 years. Possibilities for Action * Contracting with a troubled PHA to provide TA in such areas as operations streamlining, policy development, staff training, and organizational development. Funding Information HUD grants are available for troubled PHAs to procure TA, and PHAs can use their management improvement funds for TA as well. Occasionally, HUD, through a competitive process, awards indefinite quantity contracts (IQCs) for the provision of TA to troubled PHAs throughout the Nation. The IQC recipients, in turn, occasionally enter into subcontracts with local TA providers. * FY 1996: $20 million Future HUD funding is anticipated. Examples of Action DePaul University -- Chicago, Illinois DePaul University contracted with the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) to provide TA in connection with CHA's effort to streamline its procurement process. Tulane University -- New Orleans, Louisiana The Public Housing Authority of New Orleans has contracted out its Resident Initiatives Program to Tulane University, which is collaborating with Xavier University. Tulane and Xavier have formed a consortium, the Tulane-Xavier Institute for the 21st Century. For Further Information For general information, contact Gregory Russ, Director of the Office of Troubled Agency Recovery, at 202-401-8812. To learn whether your area is involved, contact the public housing director in your area HUD office, listed in the blue pages of the local telephone directory. YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM Purpose Bringing together public housing authorities, the Youth Corps, and joint labor-management organizations, the Youth Apprenticeship Program (YAP) provides two-stage skill training so youth from public or Section 8 housing can become economically independent. Participants also receive educational instruction, including bilingual, literacy, and GED instruction. Furthermore, the skills the YAP participants learn spur community revitalization through housing renovation and toxic substance removal work. Possibilities for Action * Tutoring for GED and literacy attainment. * Counseling participants on their postsecondary options and financial aid strategies. Funding Information Public housing authorities were the only eligible funding applicants. Future HUD funding is not anticipated. Past grants are active in: Los Angeles, California; San Francisco, California; Atlanta, Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; Cleveland, Ohio; Seattle, Washington; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Examples of Action Baltimore Public Housing Authority The Baltimore Public Housing Authority has subcontracted, through its private industry council, with Dundalk Community College to provide 1-day classroom training in building maintenance each week. Seattle Public Housing Authority The Seattle Public Housing Authority is working with the Renton Technical College in Seattle and Renton, Washington, through its private industry council to train its residents. For Further Information For general information, contact Landry Williams, Economic Development Specialist in the Office of Community Relations, at 202-702-4214 or access HUD World Wide Web information at gopher://ric.aspensys.com:76/00/youthappr/yyap.txt. For information on particular YAP sites, contact the local YAP coordinators: Los Angeles, California: Emilio Salas, 213-890-7125. San Francisco, California: Patricia Vattuone, 415-715-3229. Atlanta, Georgia: Renee Dixon, 404-817-7213. Baltimore, Maryland: Ralph Multhopp, 410-396-4277. Cleveland, Ohio: Scott Burke, 216-361-2363. Seattle, Washington: Frederick Nicholson, 206-721-6388. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Tony Perez, 414-276-6272. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE Purpose The Youth Development Initiative (YDI) funds programs developed by youth to decrease violence in public housing communities. Targeted for public housing residents age 13 to 25, it attempts to provide access to education, employment, and supportive services so that youth may become self-sufficient. Possibilities for Action * Providing internships to youth in the program. * Tutoring for GED attainment, computer skills, and literacy. * Offering grant-writing technical assistance. * Contributing free training facilities to the program. Funding Information Public housing authorities were the only eligible funding applicants. Future HUD funding is not anticipated. Past grants are active in: Los Angeles, California; Louisville, Kentucky; St. Paul, Minnesota; Niagara Falls, New York; and Seattle, Washington. Example of Action Niagara Falls Public Housing Authority Through the Niagara Falls, New York, Public Housing Authority's Youth Development Initiative, institutions of higher learning have been actively helping achieve YDI goals. Niagara University students work as tutors in YDI afterschool programs. Niagara Community College has served YDI in many different roles. It became involved early on by providing technical assistance during the public housing authority's grant-writing process. Once the YDI funds were awarded, Niagara Community College expanded its role by contributing training facilities for academic and construction trades instruction. For Further Information For general information, contact the Resident Initiatives Clearing-house at 1-800-955-2232; Landry Williams, Economic Development Specialist in the Office of Community Relations and Involvement, at 202-708-4214; or access HUD World Wide Web information at gopher://ric.aspensys.com:76/00/youthdev/youthact.txt. For information on particular YDI sites, please contact the local YDI coordinators: Los Angeles, California: Kim Yee Ross, 213-252-2500. Louisville, Kentucky: Larry Williams, 502-574-4202. St. Paul, Minnesota: Joann MacDonald, 612-298-5664. Niagara Falls, New York: Michael Raymond, 716-285-6961. Seattle, Washington: Ashley Lommers-Johnson, 206-615-3596. APPENDIX Learn and Serve Corporation for National Service The Learn and Serve grant program supports service-learning programs organized by institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations that will benefit the community. For more information, call 202-606-5000 or access the World Wide Web at http://www.cns.gov/ls-hed.html. Urban Extension Program U.S. Department of Agriculture The Urban Extension Program coordinates the delivery of cooperative extension programs run by land-grant universities in urban areas. The programs include activities such as urban gardening, environmental safety education, and food and nutrition learning. For more information, contact Orrin E. Smith, National Program Leader for Urban Programs in the Office of Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, at 202-720- 6014. Urban Community Service Program U.S. Department of Education The Urban Community Service Program provides incentives to urban colleges and universities to work with communities to devise and implement solutions to community needs by making available the institutions' resources. For more information, contact Sarah Babson, Program Manager in the Division of Higher Education Incentive Programs, at 202-260-3472. Community Development Work Study Program U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development The Community Development Work Study Program works to attract economically disadvantaged and minority students to careers in community planning and development by awarding students work stipends, tuition support, and other assistance through their universities. For more information, contact John Hartung, Grants Specialist in the Office of University Partnerships, at 202-708- 3061. Community Outreach Partnership Centers Program U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development The Community Outreach Partnership Centers Program provides funds to help institutions of higher education form or expand centers for applied research, conduct outreach to communities and neighborhoods, and exchange information on these activities. For more information, contact John Hartung, Grants Specialist in the Office of University Partnerships, at 202-708-3061. Community Renaissance Fellows Program U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development The Community Renaissance Fellows Program seeks to create a new generation of professionals to undertake large-scale, complex urban community-building projects by selecting mid-level professionals to take part in a 2-year fellowship. For more information, contact Jane Karadbil, Senior Program Analyst in the Office of University Partnerships, at 202-708-1537. Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant Program U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development The Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant Program nurtures the next generation of urban scholars, providing $15,000 awards each year to 15 doctoral candidates working to complete their research and dissertations on housing and urban development issues. For more information, contact Ann Weeks, Research Utilization Specialist in the Research Utilization Division, at 202-708-0544. Jobs-Plus U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development The Jobs-Plus program is a cooperative program with the Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation (MDRC) and The Rockefeller Foundation. Its pupose is to develop locally based approaches to providing employment opportunities for a substantial proportion of residents in a family development in 6 to 10 urban communities. For more information, contact MDRC at 212-532-3200 or Garland E. Allen, Research Analyst in the Program Evaluation Division, at 202-708-3700. Joint Community Development Program U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development The Joint Community Development Program has awarded grants to universities and local governments to create centers to revitalize distressed neighborhoods. HUD has formed a partnership with SEEDCO, a national nonprofit financial intermediary, in funding these grants. For more information, contact John Hartung, Grants Specialist in the Office of University Partnerships, at 202-708-3061