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COALITION LAUNCHES HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PARTNERSHIP
SEPTEMBER 17, 2002--Oberlin College, the City of Oberlin, Zion Community Development Corporation, New Sunrise Properties and Oberlin Community Services have joined forces to create an action plan to address housing issues in the City of Oberlin. The process will begin this fall with a housing condition study, a survey of residents, and community forums facilitated by Enterprise Foundation, a Baltimore-based firm that has worked with communities throughout the country to develop systematic approaches to housing concerns. "The result of this process will be a plan created by the Oberlin community that identifies specific steps to achieve the desired results," said Leslie Strnisha, acting director of the Cleveland offices of the Enterprise Foundation.
The coalition sponsoring this planning process emerged from meetings convened by the Oberlin Partnership, Oberlin College’s outreach effort, which brings together community leaders to address concerns and needs in the areas of education, economic development, recreation and housing. "After some initial research, two things became clear: that Oberlin’s housing issues, while serious, were not insurmountable, and that the groups that had housing as a substantial part of their mission could achieve more through closer collaboration," said Daniel Gardner, director of community affairs for Oberlin College. "Over time, Oberlin College has come to realize that it needs to be part of the solution and the only way to do that was by joining forces with community partners."
Community residents will be at the center of the planning process, a "must" according to City Council chairman Bill Jindra. "We were attracted to this process because it combines the expertise of a nationally known group with the wisdom and experience of Oberlin residents."
The process will begin with pairs of year-round residents and college students detailing conditions of residences throughout the community. The data will be turned into a map that shows where attention might be needed. A concise summary of housing issues and trends, along with an assessment of the current and future resources of coalition members, will complete the information-gathering phase of the process. "We look forward to a new, collaborative approach that takes advantage of what each of our organizations can provide," said Reverend Kevin Dudley of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, who also serves on the board of directors of New Sunrise Properties.
Residents will have ample opportunities to voice ideas and concerns through an in-depth resident survey and through community forums. "The idea is to give people a chance to identify the issues, but we will also ask for them to create solutions and be part of making those solutions come to pass," said Reverend Fred Lassen, chairman of Zion Community Development Corporation’s board of trustees.
The Enterprise Foundation will create a draft of a plan and present it to the community in January. "Then, the real work of implementing the plan begins," said Ann Fuller, Director of Oberlin Community Services.
Media Contact: Daniel Gardner
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