Who We Serve
The University Area Community (UAC) is an 864-acre underserved residential/commercial neighborhood located on the northern edge of unincorporated Hillsborough County, a 2015/Second Round HUD Promise Zone Finalist. The neighborhood is blighted by vacant and abandoned lots polluted with solid waste, and is surrounded by numerous businesses that produce hazardous wastes. Roughly 75 percent of the approximately 10,500 residents in the neighborhood represent minority groups, ... Read More
Who We Serve
The University Area Community (UAC) is an 864-acre underserved residential/commercial neighborhood located on the northern edge of unincorporated Hillsborough County, a 2015/Second Round HUD Promise Zone Finalist. The neighborhood is blighted by vacant and abandoned lots polluted with solid waste, and is surrounded by numerous businesses that produce hazardous wastes. Roughly 75 percent of the approximately 10,500 residents in the neighborhood represent minority groups, primarily Hispanic (39 percent) and Black (33 percent), and 19 percent are U.S. Veterans (2010-2014 U.S. Census).
The Challenge
Formally known as “suitcase city” by Tampa residents because of the perceived transient nature of the population (89 percent of the homes are rental properties), this community has been identified as “one of the most economically depressed neighborhoods in Florida” (Smith 2004). Per capita income has remained steady at roughly $12,000 over the past several years, with 58 percent of residents below the 2015 federal poverty level. Roughly 80-100% of K12 students in the UAC receive free/reduced lunch (the primary elementary school, Mort Elementary, is a Title I School).
Many residents struggle with lack of education (32 percent lack a high school education), lack of employment (the unemployment rate is almost twice that of the county), language barriers (51 percent report speaking English “not well” or “not at all”; UACDC 2015), and health problems (e.g., an infant from this neighborhood is twice as likely to die during the first year of life than any other area in Florida; Smith 2014). In sum, social and economic challenges in this community, which are integrated with existing brownfields, have historically constrained efforts to initiate redevelopment of the UAC. In addition, the interconnectedness of the social, economic, and environmental problems hinders our efforts to attract state or federal funding because most funding opportunities are project-based or issue-specific.
OUR HOLISTIC APPROACH TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & ENGAGEMENT
The University Area CDC’s Neighborhood Transformation Strategy focuses on a community development model that effectively supports University Area residents in a real and meaningful way. Our holistic approach is one that engages and empowers the community by including them in the process of creation, implementation, and management. We believe that we can grow our community, one block at a time, by empowering residents to become change agents to improve the economic and social conditions of their community. University Area CDC Initiatives and Programs include:
Affordable Housing working to develop, finance, and operate affordable, program- enriched housing for families, veterans, and seniors who lack the economic resources to access quality safe housing opportunities.
Get Moving
Get Moving! Mind, Body, and Soul Promote health and wellness in the community through youth and adult sports leagues, free educational/social workshops, physical development, and nutrition classes.
Harvest Hope Park
Harvest Hope Park a beacon of hope in the heart of the University Area Community, where development plans are underway on 7 acres to complete a beautiful park for residents that encourage family play, healthy eating, environmental sustainability, education, and community interaction.
Invest Workforce
Infuses results-based accountability framework to address the need for workforce and entrepreneurial opportunities for residents, through coaching, training classes, job search assistance, and employment placement.
Prodigy
Prodigy Cultural Arts is a research-proven, diversion, and prevention program that provides a safe arena where youth 5-18 years of age learn effective communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills through visual and performing arts.
STEPS for Success provides person-centered targeted wrap-around services to support to help residents in their desire to achieve self-sufficiency through education, employment, training, better housing, thus strengthening family well- being.
University Area CDC Events
University Area CDC Paint the Town
University Area CDC hosts a day of service and giving back to the University Area Community. Our neighborhood beautification day deploys hundreds of volunteers to participate in various projects to enhance the look of the University Area. Projects include landscaping, gardening, painting, small home improvements, trash removal, UACDC Community Center projects. (Sponsorship and Volunteer opportunities are available)
University Area CDC Partner Coalition
Our 200+ member Partner Coalition come together every quarter to discuss community impact the University Area. Like-minded organizations and businesses come together to discuss important issues and to network with the intention of collective and collaborative impact. (Sponsorship and Vending opportunities available)
University Area CDC Lunch and Learn
In this educational series, participants are offered a wide variety of opportunities to enhance their knowledge of the University Area CDC programs and services.
University Area CDC Uptown Music Festival
University Area Uptown Music Festival celebrates the rich culture of the residents of the University Area. As a way of building community through music the University Area CDC festival highlights the rich culture of our residents.
University Area CDC Gala
The formal fundraiser of the University Area CDC whose primary purpose is to raise much-needed funds to transform the University Area into a neighborhood where residents thrive. We also celebrate the champions of the University Area and highlights the impact the University Are CDC has on the community.
Volunteer Opportunities
PAINT THE TOWN! – UNIVERSITY AREA CDC’S ANNUAL DAY OF SERVICE
Type of activity: Sign up to participate in our 7th Annual “Paint the Town”! This community-wide event brings together volunteers and residents to clean, paint, and beautify the University Area. Each “Paint the Town” project will encompass several different activities. Some of these activities include but are not limited to Painting, Landscaping, Trash Pick-up, Gardening, and Minor Home repair.
BLOCK BY BLOCK
Type of activity: The University Area CDC is seeking a group of volunteers to assist in the implementation of Block-by-Block, a 10-week community development program that assists families in the University Area! Volunteer duties include, but are not limited to: Work with a partner to assist 1 to 2 families, Help families identify their needs, Connect families with resources and items of assistance. This is a guided volunteer experience, where you will attend mandatory training throughout the program.
HARVEST HOPE COMMUNITY GARDEN – WEEKLY ONGOING
Type of activity: Our community garden provides fresh fruits and vegetables free of charge to residents of the University Area, thus increasing access to healthy foods! Garden volunteer duties include, but are not limited to: filling new seed trays, pruning the plants, weeding beds, harvesting ready food, tending to seedlings, and transferring mature seedlings into available bed spaces, as well as working the compost pile. Volunteers will meet at the Harvest Hope Park - 13704 North 22nd Street.
Dates/days of the week: Every Friday
Times: 9 am – 11 am
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