| Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Virginia, will receive a New Directions grant of $149,993. This initiative will focus on strengthening community building and increasing the supply of affordable, quality housing in the adjacent Carver neighborhood. The VCU-Carver partnership began in 1996 and has involved many initiatives: developing a neighborhood master plan, writing a play about Carver's history, and improving healthcare and neighborhood schools. In 2002 the area's most pressing issue is increasing the supply of quality, affordable housing. This will increase homeownership, attract more families, and help revitalize the neighborhood.
To help achieve this goal, New Directions will build the capacity of Carter area civic associations to be more responsive to the community and become more proactive advocates for community needs. This project will also establish a Neighborhood Networks center to connect residents through shared information and working together on community activities. In addition, the Carver-VCU partnership will join with two new partners, the Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods and the Better Housing Coalition, to increase the supply of high quality, affordable housing and to improve marketing strategies that will attract new residents, including VCU employees.
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