The CNI Transformation Plan is a resident-led initiative; community outreach and engagement are critical factors to plan development. Renaissance worked closely with a local non-profit, Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods (NBN), to reach a broad cross-section of the community through neighborhood social events, a door-to-door resident needs survey, development of a website, community visioning workshops; and the convening of resident and stakeholder committees.
The technical inputs, along with community and stakeholder feedback, helped us craft a set of transformation strategies that the community can implement to achieve their stated visions and goals. We also developed conceptual site designs, and a housing development strategy as part of the Transformation Plan submitted to HUD.
In 2017, HAWS did not make it to the finalist but reapplied again using Urban Strategies, Inc to consult and submit their application using the groundwork of what was accomplished through the assistance of Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods community engagement effort. As of January 2020, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has identified five applicants as finalists to compete for FY19 Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants to transform public and/or other HUD-assisted housing, as well as the surrounding neighborhood.
The Housing Authority of Winston-Salem (HAWS) was selected from a pool of 25 applicants, for individual grant of $30 million. HUD announced that HAWS will receive the grant to implement the CNI Transformation Plan that was developed by a resident led effort that Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods partnered with community members to finalize.
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