Steps in Starting a New Neighborhood Networks Center

Information by State  Print version   Related Information   Contact HUD's Neighborhood Networks Coordinators   Public Housing Neighborhood Networks Grant Managers   Involving residents   Organizing   Designing activities   Designing operation and finances   Completing a business plan

1. Involve residents in the planning process. Residents who help plan a center become invested in its future success. Invite residents to organize a steering committee.
   
   
2. Conduct an assessment. Have residents work together to identify their community's educational and employment needs through interviews and surveys. Residents can also evaluate other neighborhood institutions that could serve as center partners and resources.
   
   
3. Design programs. By working with the residents' steering committee, you can make informed decisions about possible program offerings and local partners.
   
   
4. Identify the center's operational needs. Determine staffing, space, computer hardware and software, insurance, furniture, telephone lines, security, and financial requirements. Prepare a budget, including project income and operating expenses.
   
   
5. Draft a business plan. Identify financial plans and day-to-day management of the center, including the programs and activities to be offered. The business plan must be submitted to and approved by the local HUD office for funding purposes. Use the Neighborhood Networks Strategic Tracking and Reporting Tool (START) to help you in this process.

Click on the links at the right to learn more about the essential steps in Starting a Neighborhood Networks center.