Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Target Community Unveiled!

After many hours sifting through and sorting demographic data, RootsUp has chosen its target community.  The area that we have chosen to launch our efforts is US Census tract number 10, which falls between Walnut St. and 15th Ave. and the Rock River and Kishwaukee Street.

This location is very diverse and ripe for community work.  This relatively small area includes many important community elements which can be tied together to support each other and grow.  The area consists of housing from low-income housing projects to upper-middle class homes. There are at least two known thriving neighborhood associations including Haight Village and The Orchid Neighborhood Association.  Large businesses such as Behr Recycling can be found in tract 10 as well as small businesses like Ricotta's Automotive.  Public service buildings can also be found in tract 10 such as the 9-1-1 building and the Winnebago County Health Department.  Tract 10 has two public parks, one public school, several churches of varied denominations, and a Boys and Girls Club.  Most importantly,the people living in tract 10 meets all of the demographic standards of need that have we have established.

RootsUp is very excited to begin working with the people of Tract 10.  Our first orders of operation will be to meet with the existing businesses, organizations, and neighborhood associations to gain insight into the existing assets and needs of the area.   More to come on this as it unfolds!

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