Government and Community Relations essay
It is known that today local community individuals and organizations make efforts to demonstrate the theme of capacity-focused development through launching effective community organizations that are aimed at addressing the existing community problems. Actually, community organizations help to solve a variety of community problems in order to meet the needs of the community members (Kretzmann & McKnight 345). Some of these problems include social injustice, unemployment, poverty, inadequate housing, poor nutrition, lack of effective medical support, alcohol/drug abuse, environmental pollution, the increased crime rate, etc. undoubtedly, the above mentioned problems can be solved through the involvement of local residents to mobilize resources and solve the problems. Denton Affordable Housing Corporation (DAHC) is a community-based organization which was established in 1995 to address the needs of community for affordable housing in Denton. It is a non-profit organization.
Overview of the mission/purpose of the community organization or group of individuals who are addressing a community problem
The mission/purpose of DAHC is to “increase the supply of affordable housing in the Denton area through a variety of means, including acquisition, construction, renovation, promotion, financing, support, development, management, and/or operation and maintenance of both rental and owner-occupied housing for persons of limited financial means” (DAHC, Official Website). The targeted populations include local residents with disabilities, first-time homebuyers, local elderly persons, poor families with children who need affordable housing and individuals in need.
Analysis of how the community organization or group of individuals have successfully implemented asset mapping and/or formed partnerships to achieve their mission/purpose
DAHC as a non-profit community organization have successfully implemented asset mapping and formed partnerships to achieve its mission. DAHC is focused on cooperation with organizations within the community that provide housing assistance activities, and assists in the “alleviation of the shortage of decent housing for low and moderate-income persons throughout the Denton area” (DAHC, Official Website). Some of these organizations include HOPE, Inc., Friends of the Family, Denton County MHMR and Denton Housing Authority. DAHC’s partnership with other agencies helps to provide adequate case management and support services to their tenants. Currently, DAHC is seeking donations for “plumbing, electrical, appliance repair, handyman services and flooring installation, cleaning and repair” (DAHC, Official Website). Thus, DAHC has implemented effective community assert mapping that can be viewed as an alternative to the housing service delivery with the geographic area, involving many people and organizations in providing assistance aimed at improvements in the community.
Analysis of the “value added” by the community individuals or organization compared with an attempt by government to address the problem independent of these community resources
The value added by the community-based organization includes the implementation of various strategies aimed at providing affordable housing, including the adequate acquisition of properties, new construction projects, renovation and maintenance operations, financing, property development and property management activities. Today the community-based organization owns more than 80 rental units, specially reserved for targeted populations (DAHC. Official Website). The major services provided by DAHC include affordable rental programs, affordable Homeownership Opportunity Program, homebuyer assistance loans, and a variety of other housing-related activities.
In general, this community-based organization is very effective in providing housing services to local residents compared with an attempt by government to address the problem independent of these community resources. According to the Action Plan for Housing and Community Development, 2012 Program Year (August 1, 2012 – July 31, 2013), there are many specific projects and services funded by the government to address Denton’s housing needs (The City of Denton. Official Website). However, DAHC services to address the needs of local residents in terms of adequate housing are more affordable for the targeted populations. DAHC members are focused on asset mobilization to facilitate and address specific community issues.
