Feds help faith-based groups network and organize
By Vannah Shaw
For the St. Louis American
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently hosted a conference to help faith-based and community-based organizations become more established in their community.
The HUD Region VII Building Capacity, Nuts, and Bolts Conference for Community- and Faith-Based Organizations was the title of the second annual, two-day conference at the Sheraton City Center. The conference attracted members in organizations from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma.
The conference included a speech by local pastor Michael Jones, of Friendly Temple M.B. Church.
In a statement to conference attendees, Macie Houston, Regional Director of HUD, said, “Specifically, The HUD Region VII Building Capacity, Nuts, and Bolts Conference for Community- and Faith-Based Organizations will provide information on resources and strategies that organizations may explore, adopt and implement to increase and develop its organizational and product-delivery capacity.” She said this was a great networking opportunity for those who attend.
“They network. They can piggyback with other networks,” said James Heard, Field Office Director for HUD. Heard said HUD wants to help these organizations become able to compete for federal dollars.
The conference included guest speakers, workshops taught by various community experts, and other resources for non-profit organizations.
“I realized some of the mistakes I made when I first started my business,” said Veronica Banks, founder of the UHURU Rites of Passage Academy. Banks said that though she was sent by I-70 Northwest Development Corporation, she learned some helpful tips for her own business.
“Overall, I think this has been very informative. It gives me an idea of how HUD engages local communities,” said Banks.
During the workshops, Banks took many notes of what was said. She said she just wished there was more time to take in the quantity of information given.
“I could have stayed there a lot longer,” Banks said.
“We have been having these types of conferences for the last several years. It is a priority of President Bush,” said Heard. Both Heard and Houston said they are pleased with the results of the conference.
“Our goal was to try to give those who are just starting out (information) on how to set up their organization,” said Houston. “We feel like we met our goal.”
According to Heard, the benefits of the conference last beyond the actual dates. “We follow up, depending on what they say they may need,” said Heard.
Houston said HUD expected 200-250 participants, and they received about that many. She said that the number expected is actually a great number for such a concentrated crowd.
Workshops offered included non-profit organizational formation, IRS tax exempt status and filing requirements, federal agencies and funding opportunities, developing capacity to reduce homelessness, strategies for successful partnering and collaboration, and effective financial management.
The conference ended with the attendees filling out survey and evaluation forms so that HUD could further assist organizations individual needs.
HUD holds a national conference for community- and faith-based organizations. The next regional conference will be held in Omaha, Nebraska on August 23-24.
Kanye West supports Millions More
Gospel hip-hop star Kanye West recently visited the Nation of Islam’s headquarters in Chicago to show support for the Millions More Movement, the 10th Anniversary Commemoration of the Million Man March, to take place in the nation’s capital, October 15.
This year’s movement will involve men, women and children and is designed to bring together all of the diverse segments of the black national and international communities to create a framework for resolving critical issues in the community.
For a video clip of Kanye West’s comments, visit www.millionsmoremovement.com/.
