We're using unskilled people to try to operate businesses. It's our job to create a network of relationships in the industry to help businesses succeed. I'm hoping our businesses will break even some day, though so far they're real bleeders. Other agencies also offer programs at Urban Horizons. Urban Horizons' economic development programs have no geographic boundaries.
People walk in here, and on some level, whatever issues they're dealing with can be addressed.
Biberman admits some of the programs came about because the organization got categorical funding for them. But we felt, why not do as much as we possibly can, in the environment we're in. Whatever drawbacks there are to being comprehensive, they're all outweighed by the benefits. Here at least, there's some greater likelihood that if people need a certain service, they'll get it. These are things that have very deep ripple effects not only in families but in communities.