As implementation of this project began, we strove to stay mindful of its mission to use the block as the focus of our efforts to renovate and sell houses to new target markets of homeowners. Our success in meeting these challenges is evidenced by the criteria used to select our first projects, the marketing plans for the properties, and the early fruit of block-focused ancillary projects. Marketing materials show not only the features of the house, but neighborhood assets as well. For example, a community meeting was held with West Northrup Place residents to introduce them to our work at 31 West Northrup, and to discuss additional projects for the block. A collaborative project for the 2000 United Way Day of Caring is also planned for West Northrup Place.
Project funding is based on the concept that other community stakeholders join with the university.
Plans call for the project to be managed by a freestanding non-profit corporation. As with other UCI projects, the UHDC, Inc. board is a partnership that includes representatives from financial institutions, community-based organizations, and community leaders. Assisting Homeownership UCI also realizes that there are other ways to promote homeownership in the neighborhoods surrounding the South Campus. With the assistance of the Fannie Mae Corporation, we worked with the university's Human Resources Department to survey all full and part-time employees about their home purchase needs and preferences. This led us into discussions with the Gloria Parks Community Center to develop an enhanced homebuyer education program.