1997-98: CMHA’s First HOPE VI: Lincoln Court; Cincinnati, Ohio

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Serving as a key member of The Program Management Team, in the capacity as head of community services and outreach, Mr. Alexander formulated and then developed the required the strategy jointly outlining action steps by which to successfully accomplish the CSS section of the HOPE VI Grant Application. Being CMHA first ever attempt at an HOPE VI grant,locally there was no experience to assess or refer to.

 

Having worked in the community throughout the years, he had developed some key relationships that became critical in being able to successful facilitate a  most difficult task of , ongoing active participation for 7 to 9 months by those to be directed effected by the eventual demolition and reconstruction. After arriving at residents’ prioritized wish list a memorandum of understanding was reach between CMHA and residents, due to historical level of mistrust. This gave residents a small degree of insurance and recourse action if needed later.

 

The most complicated work involved establishing a list of key agencies such: city departments (recreation, housing, health, police and fire); social services components; job placement/training groups, day care providers; transportation providers (TANK and CMTA), Office of Jobs and Family Services (formerly Welfare); Social Security office; Mental health clinics; Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS); local Church pastors/ministers, etc. Once key individuals had been identified individual meetings were set up, with each, to assess the currently levels of interaction and/or service per the residents. Data gathered was used to create an interaction matrix and resource guide. This became the basis for the written CSS Section of the HOPE VI Grant Application. At the award of the HOPE I grant it was noted that the CSS Section has received one of the highest scores of its kind.

 

Facilitation: Key Groups/Participants

                                                West End Community in Whole

                                                Lincoln Court Residents         

                                                Staff and Special Consultants for CMHA

                                                City Department of Community Development Staff

                                                Staff of Local office of HUD

                                                Program Management Team

                                                Service providers: Police, Fire, Recreation, Housing and Health Departments; Social Services agencies, various day  

                                                care providers, Metro and Regional Transit Systems, CPS, County Dept. of Family Services, Local Colleges, Employment 

                                                services;

                                                City Council members and mayor’s office

Results:

                                                CSS Section with defined structural clarity for implementation

                                                Facilitation of Residents through a very emotional series of meetings

                                                Letters of participation from various entities to actively engage with CMHA for residents ultimate benefit.

                                                Successful Award of CMHA’s first HOPE VI Gran