Neighborhoods@Work Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Neighborhoods@Work Initiative all about?
The Neighborhoods@Work Initiative is a 5-year concerted effort by the Los Angeles Urban League to address issues related to Education, Employment, Safety, Housing and Health in the 70-block area of Park Mesa Heights (give geographic boundaries). Our ultimate goal is to create a Best Practices model for sustainable neighborhood change that can be replicated throughout urban communities across the country.
Why was Park Mesa Heights chosen to be the target area?
The Park Mesa Heights community was chosen because of its demonstrated need, as well as the community’s assets. In terms of demonstrated need, the Park Mesa Heights area scored poorly on each of the “State of Black Los Angeles” indicators. However, the community also has attributes that can be strengthened if additional resources are provided and the community is engaged. Community Challenges:
  • 47% High School graduation rate
  • 22% Unemployment rate
  • Violent crime rate is 250% of the Los Angeles average
  • Incidence of preventable disease is 120-150% of Los Angeles average

Community Strengths:

  • High homeownership rate indicates that residents are invested in the community.
  • More than 55% of residents have been in their current home more than 5 years, meaning they will remain in the neighborhood long enough to benefit from a long term strategy.
  • This area has a cadre of respected leadership who are willing to partner with us to galvanize the support for this effort
  • The community has a premiere high school that has been long neglected, but has a promising new strategy for academic excellence.
What kind of response have you received from community members, leaders and stakeholders?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive! We have solidified partnerships with local schools, community stakeholders, and governmental entities that address each discipline of focus. Institutions such as Crenshaw High School, USC, LAPD, CHP and the State of California have demonstrated their support by lending personnel and/or volunteers to this effort. Additionally, Neighborhood Councils, block clubs, business owners and the clergy have shown their support by attending and participating in the Initiative’s events and activities.
How are youth and residents included in the planning and implementation of your strategy?
• We at the Los Angeles Urban League believe that community input must be an integral part of any successful strategic plan. Neighborhoods@Work is planning a host of community events for all sectors of the community including residents of all ages, schools, churches, businesses and other organizations in the community.
• Corporate volunteer opportunities with companies such as Boeing and Toyota will help us better serve the community.
How will you know if your efforts are working?
Objective tools that measure social indicators such as crime statistics, graduation rates, employment rates, homeownership rates and access to quality healthcare.
Why focus on health, safety, employment, housing and education simultaneously?
• These issues cannot be addressed in a vacuum. They are interrelated, and therefore must be dealt with concurrently. If you are chronically ill, your employment is in jeopardy. If you can’t work, you may lose your home. If you don’t feel safe in your neighborhood, you may fear going to school.
• In short, to address these problems independently would be ineffective.