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Annual Reports |
Home >> Programs >> Current Projects
Currently, we have the following projects/programs available:
Best House on The Block Contest®
Maximizing curb appeal is the simplest way to dramatically and immediately improve the look of a home. The Best House on the Block Contest® encourages homeowners in a designated area to spruce up their houses. Winners are selected based on the degree of improvement to the front of their homes, including landscaping, front sidewalks, and home faēade during the contest period. Neighborhoods Inc. offers free construction consultation to entrants of the contest. Neighborhoods Inc. awards the rehabber, whether financed through Neighborhoods Inc. or otherwise, with commendation certificates and cash prizes. Among neighbors a friendly competition results, raising the standards for the entire neighborhood. Since the inception of the Best House on the Block Contest®, hundreds of awards have been distributed, one exemplary house at a time. Click here to see a brief history and pictures from the Best House on the Block Contests®
Homebuyer Education Classes
The Homebuyer's Club helps people, many who are
first-time buyers, to secure the home of their dreams.
The program offers clear information about home-buying
readiness, mortgage financing, budget and credit,
do-it-yourself projects, and addresses complicated issues
that arise during the search for the perfect home.
Funded in part through a grant from
JPMorgan Chase, this program started in April 2001. In 2006,
Neighborhoods Inc. received a grant from the Legacy
Foundation to offer these classes in Spanish as well.
Neighborhoods Inc. Days
Neighborhoods Inc. Days is the newest way to get
the word out about our programs. Neighborhoods Inc.
visits businesses and institutions with significant foot
traffic, or over 50 employees, to offer information
about our programs. There have been twenty Neighborhoods
Inc. Days, resulting in an increase in demand for
services. We will continue to partner with businesses
and institutions to offer our resources.
We're Neighbors!
Whenever neighbors want to focus on positive solutions,
Neighborhoods Inc. will support them with its resources.
Part of the plan for a healthy neighborhood is getting
residents to "get involved". When residents take
ownership of their block, it becomes a symbol of
strength and commitment. Blocks become more attractive,
safer, and cleaner.
Though there is much to be done, the commitment from
neighbors is encouraging. Through block clubs, neighbors
look out for one another, enjoy
block parties sponsored
in part by Neighborhoods Inc., and lend a helping hand
when needed. Since the inception of the We're
Neighbors! program in 1999, block clubs have emerged
in the Calumet area, organizing nearly 60 block club
meetings with more than 800 people in attendance. In
addition, 125 people participated in self-help block
projects and 100 people became involved in leadership
training.
Operation Restoration is a volunteer-led cleanup and painting program aimed at helping elderly, disabled or otherwise disadvantaged persons in East Chicago, Calumet City and Hammond improve their properties. Since 2004, NI has coordinated hundreds of volunteers to do light rehab work, paint homes, clean up empty lots and alleys and assist in like endeavors. Many organizations, businesses, municipalities and private individuals have donated cash and in-kind contributions to assist in this worthwhile project. Please contact NI if you would like to volunteer or contribute in some way.
