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Question:
F.A.M.E. Community Center @ BHA, Bradenton Housing Authority. How do I begin when the HUD is offering GRANTS and the Manatee County and city of Bradenton, BHA are reluctant to assemble a Community Center for the HUD Residents.
Answer:

This is an excellent question, but it is a very complicated situation with some important next steps depending on other things in your context. I encourage you to avoid conflict organizing, which is something that a lot of people employ but rarely ever is it employed well enough to work. The Table of Contents (https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents) in the Community Tool Box has a wealth of materials related to creating a context of success, which includes helping organizations see that collaboration is in their best interests when there are important outcomes to be achieved together. It used to be required that HUD provide such a resource for housing residents, but it is my understanding that Community Centers and even internet access are no longer required. Chapter 17 on Analyzing Problems and Solutions (https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/analyze/analyze-community-proble...) might have some relevant resources. So might the several chapters on advocacy, which begin with Chapter 30 -- Principles of Advocacy (https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/advocacy/advocacy-principles).

Question Date: Wed, 11/22/2023