 Housing Tomorrow Continues at Jazz in July! |
In last month's eNewsletter, you read about our exciting partnership with Metro Arts Jazz in July. This month, we have even more exciting news to share!
In addition to the Neighborhood Passport promotion at all 16 free concerts, 9 Jazz in July concerts will feature interactive opportunities to provide input for Housing Tomorrow, our region's first plan for housing! These activities will be a fun and easy way to give us useful information as we begin our work on the plan. Pictured above is the centerpiece of these sessions, a post-it note activity asking simple questions about what people pay for housing, based on artist Candy Chang's work in New York City.
These activities will take place at the Urbandale, Evelyn K Davis Park, Hispanic Educational Resources, Beaverdale, 6th Avenue Corridor, Johnston, Wesley Acres, Waukee, and Copper Creek concerts.
Click HERE for a full list of Jazz in July events. We hope to see you this month to celebrate great jazz and great neighbors! |
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Rebuilding Together in Columbus Park Park and neighborhood revitalized |
Polk County, Meredith Corporation and Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines joined forces for the past two years in revitalizing the Columbus Park neighborhood on Des Moines' south side. Volunteers repaired homes, installed playground equipment, and spruced up the Bellizzi MacRae American Legion Hall.
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Record Allocation for the PCHTF Over $2.5 million to make housing affordable in 2014/15 |
The Polk County Housing Trust Fund's Board of Directors adopted a budget at its annual public meeting on June 6 that allocates $2.562 million to affordable housing inventory development, preservation and supportive services in Polk County. The record allocation was due in part to an increase in funding available from the State Housing Trust Fund, administered by the Iowa Finance Authority.
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HUD Presents Homelessness Symposium Second Iowa Peer-to-Peer Symposium held at Drake |
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Des Moines Field Office hosted the second annual two-day Iowa Peer to Peer Homeless Symposium during June 2014. The symposium was held at Meredith Hall at Drake University Campus and was attended by over 135 participants from across four states representing 23 counties and 34 communities.
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United Way Hosts Opportunity Summit Working toward goal of creating prosperity for all |
The Opportunity Summit: Creating Prosperity for All brought together more than 115 diverse, dedicated people to learn through data and stories about the realities of living in poverty. Participants heard about the amazing opportunities and the daunting challenges of many who live in our community. The energy in the room was palpable, and the common understanding that it is possible to create change to reduce poverty now provides the path for interested members of our community to continue the work in the months ahead.
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Tracy Levine Has the Floor Home sweet home (and a new home at PCHTF) |
For me, there is no place like home. It is the most meaningful part of my life. When I worked in the arts, we spoke of providing quality of life experiences so I know the importance of quality and affordability. Our homes occupy a pride of place in what we consider an acceptable standard of life. This is not only understandable, it is also natural. We measure our standard according to our surroundings. A comfortable, affordable home goes a long way towards creating the kind of setting everyone hopes to achieve.
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