While the clean-up takes several years, the method is inexpensive and keeps the site green and attractive. For years, urban renewal has been a focus of federal government attention. Loans, grants and tax credits have been included in various programs, including the Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community Program coordinated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Agriculture. Where many of the government's efforts have failed, individuals have succeeded in improving urban neighborhoods. In Connecticut, college students have gone into the surrounding community as tutors and volunteers, work that is a new part of the curriculum.
Crime is down in the neighborhood, and enrollment at the college is at an all-time high.
The school has also been involved in buying homes, fixing them up, and then selling them to residents at or below costs using part of the school's endowment. Foundations have been laid in the area for numerous schools, an arts academy and a family center with day care and job referral services, clear evidence of the college's successful efforts. Many Members of Congress became directly involved in building affordable housing as well through H. Res. 147 which encouraged efforts to bring affordable housing to their districts.