by John Bennett
Wright State is one of only 18 universities nationwide, and the only university in Ohio, to receive a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for neighborhood revitalization. The grant, totaling $399,963 from HUD's Community Outreach Partnership Centers (COPC) initiative, provides funds to help universities work collaboratively with neighborhoods and community organizations to address issues of housing, education, poverty, planning and health.
The grant provides funding for the Dayton Community Outreach Partnership (DCOP). Wright State and other community sponsors will provide the additional funding for the three-year, $1.6 million project. DCOP will aid the Old Dayton View, Southern Dayton, Wolf Creek and Twin Towers/Newcom Plain neighborhoods in the city of Dayton and create long-term partnerships between the university and its urban neighbors.
"The Dayton Community Outreach Partnership will provide valuable resources for the university's work in targeted Dayton neighborhoods," said President Kim Goldenberg. "Working collaboratively with local residents, businesses, neighborhood institutions, public agencies and other partners, Wright State will engage in a long-term strategic effort to enhance the quality of life in the neighborhoods."
"The ultimate goal is to create more self sufficient neighborhoods," said Jack Dustin, Ph.D., director of WSU's Center for Urban and Public Affairs. Dustin will serve as program director for DCOP. Other WSU partners in the program are the College of Education and Human Services, the Center for Healthy Communities and the Division of Community Programs. DCOP will design activities to foster community self-sufficiency through various projects, including an education advocacy program; a community health advocate program; the organization of neighborhood residents into effective community organizations; an annual housing fair and a plan to continue and improve a neighborhood grocery store.
By creating a structure to improve job opportunities, housing, land use and the overall quality of life in the targeted neighborhoods, Dustin believes "Wright State will play a larger role in neighborhoods in Dayton and beyond."
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