Spring BC Forums Spotlight Progress

Progress was up front and center at the Blueprint Communities forums held in Pittsburgh (May 12) and Malvern (May 25). Teams from nearly all of the Pennsylvania Blueprint Communities participated, bringing with them a clear sense of purpose and mission, as well as a willingness to ask questions and discuss ideas for change in their neighborhoods.

John Bendel, Director of Community Investment, hosted the half-day forums sponsored by FHLBank Pittsburgh. He provided teams with information about FHLBank community investment programs and how they can benefit BC teams. He noted, for example, that the FHLBank's First Front Door program can provide up to $5,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to lower-income, first-time homebuyers.

FHLBank President Speaks at Western Forum

FHLBank President and CEO John Price spoke at the Pittsburgh forum, saying, "You are all leading lights in your community. It is important that we all pull together for change." He went on to cite three community imperatives – leadership, financial realities and persistence. "We are very anxious to continue to make Blueprint Communities a brilliant success," he said.

Technical Assistance Network Highlighted

Also at the Pittsburgh forum, Dr. Leon Haley of the University of Pittsburgh discussed the Technical Assistance Network available to all BC teams through December of 2006. He defined "technical assistance" as focusing on studies, information and support relative to the community, as distinct from "capacity building," which he defined as building infrastructure within an organization.

By way of example, Dr. Haley cited three technical assistance studies done for the Pittsburgh-Hazelwood team: a desired housing type study, a study of main street businesses and a re-use study for the local library. He encouraged teams to take advantage of technical assistance and to call him to discuss ideas and proposals.

Wachovia Foundation Supports Eastern BC Teams

At the forum in Malvern, Kimberly Allen and Mailee Walker of the Wachovia Regional Foundation discussed the foundation's aim to improve the quality of life for children and families living in low-income neighborhoods in New Jersey, Delaware, and eastern Pennsylvania. The foundation awards two types of grants – Neighborhood Planning Grants and Neighborhood Development Grants – that support the planning and implementation processes for long-term, resident-driven neighborhood revitalization.

Forums Provide Interactive Opportunity

BC teams at both forums took full advantage of the opportunity to interact with each other, asking questions and suggesting solutions to a variety of community and economic development challenges. Teams then provided reports on their progress and activity, which demonstrated the power of change evident in the hard work each team has done.

All in all, the forums were an excellent chance to connect and reconnect, as well as to continue the difficult work of forging community change that lasts.