Gather with your friends and neighbors at the First United Methodist Church (The Coppertop, 230 E. Skyline Parkway) the morning of Saturday, Oct. 6 to attend “Connect the Dots.” Learn what people in your neighborhood and other neighborhoods are doing to make Duluth a better place to live.
The main program is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Congressman James Oberstar will kick-off the presentation. More than 20 booths will be open before and following the program until 12 noon after the program. Childcare, refreshments and entertainment are provided. Transportation will also be provided to those that need it. Phone Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) at (218) 727-8604 for transportation and/or childcare.
“Connecting the Dots” is creating a collaborative effort to revitalize thee core neighborhoods of Duluth. Central Hillside, East Hillside and Lincoln Park have already completed plans through the “At Home in Duluth” collaborative. The “At Home” plans will implement housing, commercial and other neighborhood improvement activities.
The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (Duluth LISC) is dedicated to bringing private, nonprofit and pubic sectors together to transform distressed neighborhoods into healthy communities. This includes reducing blight, helping to provide jobs and creating a great place to raise children.
“The purpose (of the Oct. 6 “Connecting the Dots event) is to reach out to people and get more neighbors, businesses and more community leaders to help our neighborhoods be the best they can,” said Pam Kramer, executive director of Duluth LISC. She said that the phrase, “Connecting the dots,” is used to recognize that there are so many good things happening in Duluth that can be strengthened by bringing people and programs together. And while many of the improvements have to do with the physical state of homes and storefronts, other issues such as increasing income, job training, recreation and making neighborhoods safe are also a part of the bigger picture.
Kramer said, “The event is a huge collective effort by the neighborhood residents, “At Home” collaborative members plus many business and philanthropic partners like Mercury Investment, Minnesota Power, North Shore Bank of Commerce, SMDC, State Farm, US Bank, Wells Fargo and many more including APEX, City of Duluth, Duluth Chamber, Duluth HRA, and the Northland Foundation. (See advertisement on this page to see all sponsors.)
Through “At Home,” older, deteriorated housing is being upgraded, low-income families assisted into homeownership and new homes constructed on vacant, infill lots. The “At Home” initiative also led to the creation of two employer-assisted homeownership programs generating 108 home-buyers over the past five years. (For information on these home-ownership programs phone (218) 727-8624.)
Improving the neighborhood means more than just fixing up dilapidated buildings. It means making sure there are activities for the children, friendly parks with areas for people to meet and walk their dogs, and feeling comfortable and safe enough to walk to the store. When people feel good about their neighborhood, people from other neighborhoods feel comfortable visiting and doing their shopping.
The August 2006 issue of “The Hillsider” interviewed Scott Neustal, owner of Ski Hut. Neustal says independently owned neighborhood stores are vital to the success of small business. If customers don’t feel comfortable shopping because of the surrounding neighborhood, small business owners will go out of business. Any thing businesses can do to add to the quality of life for residents comes back to benefit the businesses and customers of those businesses.
Jim Capraro, a consultant for LISC visited Duluth in May. He told Duluthians about the successful revitalization of the southwest Chicago neighborhood surrounding Marquette Park. The key to success for this neighborhood was getting people to take “ownership” of the plans. They did this by getting to know and trust one another.
Everyone has ideas on how to make Duluth a better place to live. This summer and fall political candidates have spouted their ideas on how they would improve Duluth if elected. Duluth needs more than just the elected officials and non-profits working to improve our town. Learn what your neighbors and others throughout Duluth are doing to make Duluth a better place to live. Whether your income is large or small, no matter what your race or education, Duluth needs you to “Connect the Dots.”
Mark your calendars for Saturday, Oct. 6.
