Why it matters:

Neighborhoods characterized by a high level of home ownership and citizen involvement form a strong base for stable, supportive and safe neighborhoods. The best leaders and architects of community are those who make a committed investment in their neighborhood as a homeowner and/or a civically engaged resident. Increased involvement and leadership by neighborhood residents in organizations and associations brings community building to life. Empowered residents, who take charge, strengthen neighborhoods – making streets safer for all.

United Way response:

United Way invests in programs that increase the level of involvement in local neighborhoods through the creation of affordable homeownership opportunities, support of local associations' efforts and development of leadership training to further empower residents. Individual Development Accounts (IDA) programs help low-to-moderate income residents become homeowners through finance instruction and matched savings towards a down payment. In support of great ideas, Community Neighborhood Investment (CNI) grants are awarded to local residents to spur the success of grassroots efforts. United Way has dedicated staff to the sole duty of providing assistance to neighborhood groups as they build community through projects and initiatives.

2004-05 investments :	$1,786,577
Affordable home ownership	$744,890
Residents feel safe	$113,390
Residents involved in neighborhood and civic issues	$708,222
Active leadership by organizations/associations	$220,075

Some results

5,000 students are volunteering more than 400,000 hours through United Way-supported centers in Gwinnett County schools.

205 individuals and families have bought their first home in a targeted local neighborhood as part of the IDA program— 100 in the last year. An additional 200 people are currently saving for a home.

Nearly $265,000 has been invested in the "great ideas" of local neighborhood residents in the past 5 years through Community Neighborhood Investment (CNI)— more then 30 ideas received investment in the last year.

Did you know.

111 million Americans (54 percent) volunteered in the past year. 60 million of those volunteered on a regular basis. Seven percent helped out a neighbor with a problem at least once. (Pew Partnership, 2001)

Community homeownership case studies found that crime rates declined in the neighborhoods at greater rates than the average for the cities as a whole. Crime in Seattle neighborhoods dropped 53 percent, while Houston saw neighborhood violent crime drop 34 percent and Kalamazoo saw a 25 percent drop in total crime. (Local Initiatives Support Corporation, 2001)

A recent study of Atlanta IDA for home ownership participants found an improvement in financial management patterns, increased attendance at neighborhood association meetings and greater participation in neighborhood activities. (Ernstar Research, 2002)