CONTACT:
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
202/225-3665
BOEHLERT ANNOUNCES 5th INSTALLMENT OF WEED AND SEED FUNDING FOR UTICA
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (R-New Hartford) today announced $200,000 for the Utica Neighborhood Housing Service's (UNHS) HomeOwnership Center to continue implementation of the City of Utica's Weed and Seed Program. The funds, awarded through the U.S. Department of Justice, represent the fifth and final award bringing the total federal investment to over $1 million since 2002.
"Without this fifth round of funding, our local Weed and Seed program would have faced a severe hardship, and run the risk of being forced to cut back on critical services," Boehlert said. "The HomeOwnership Center has an excellent track record of developing innovative, multi-dimensional ways to confront crime head on and improve the quality of life in the community. These funds will go a long way toward reducing crime and restoring dilapidated neighborhoods."
Janice Forte, Executive Director of the UNHS HomeOwnership Center said, "From the inception of the Weed & Seed program, residents have worked with city government to accomplish positive, sustainable and measurable outcomes in the City of Utica. These dollars have reduced crime, increased youth services, and stabilized homes. This is a wonderful example of residents and local non-profit organizations partnering with government to make our community a better place to live and work."
The Utica Weed and Seed site received official recognition from the U.S. Department of Justice in January 2002. Funds will assist law enforcement efforts to reduce violent crime and drug activity, and advance neighborhood restoration efforts. Community policing goals will improve communications and positive interactions between law enforcement and residents of target areas through community activities and attendance at block association meetings. Prevention, intervention, and treatment goals include: increased community services in education, leadership training, and services for at-risk youth. Neighborhood restoration goals include removing blight, and providing homeownership opportunities and education.
The HomeOwnership Center is the fiscal agent and lead agency for the City of Utica Weed & Seed program. Weed & Seed is based on partnerships and collaborations of Law Enforcement, Residents and Community Service Agencies. For more information regarding the City of Utica's Weed and Seed program call: 315-724-4197.
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