BopProject 5000 is an economic development strategy that seeks to create jobs and business opportunities for people who live in urban communities that are plagued by crime and violence.
How does Project 5000 differ from other community/outreach programs/organizations?
Project 5000 is a not for profit grassroots initiative that began as a conversation among a group of individuals that pondered how to create healthy sustainable urban communities through homeownership, financial literacy, small business development and workforce development. How would it look, feel and transform local communities if the gentrification process and the responsibility of that process is rooted firmly within the communities by promoting homeownership, financial literacy and management and workforce training opportunities?
The causes of gentrification are debatable; however, some literature suggest that it is caused by social and cultural factors such as family structure, rapid job growth, lack of housing, traffic congestion, and public-sector policies. To empower the residents both new and existing with the tools to become homeowners, businesses owners and create economic opportunities for those residing within these neighborhoods. Subsequently, these changes will drive change within other sectors, e.g. healthy food choices, transportation options, quality schools and healthcare, etc.
Decades of racial disparities have marginalized people of color and economic status in every way including areas of housing, transportation, education, employment and health. Despite the civil rights laws passed more than 50 years ago, people of color still face barriers in nearly every quality of life measure.
Project 5000 seeks to create immediate intervention to build equitable communities within the neighborhoods of Chicago. By directing those with a greater share of resources to those who have the greatest need. These resources must be tied to intentional strategies and levels of accountability.
Economic and social stability is the key to combatting violence within urban communities. Homeownership and small business development is the key to creating a foundation for economic and social stability with urban communities. The Project 5000 conversation has continued to build momentum and build strategic partnerships that understand the importance of commitment and empowerment as the personal responsibility of those of us who live and work within these communities.
How does Project 5000 select those to take part in their program?
We don’t necessarily select individuals to participate in our vision; we engaged individuals who are willing to collaborate with our vision; these collaborations include businesses owners who have employment opportunities; the creation of strategic partnerships with other organizations within the community. We don’t want to talk continuously about issues and concerns in our communities, we want to identify solutions and drive change within the community.
What type of training/education does Project 5000 provide?
We currently provide entry level trades workplace training through several general contractors. We also can provide employment opportunities in the Transportation, Distribution and Logistics. As small businesses are developed within our communities we will also create opportunities for employment in the Hospitality, Retail and Administrative occupational clusters.
Why does Project 5000 focus training/education in those trades/careers?
Our training efforts are being designed to align with markets identified in the region to growth in the next decade. Construction; Transportation, Distribution and Logistics; Hospitality and Retail are industries that provide entry level opportunities for individuals with limited skills who need to support a family. They are also industries that offer growth opportunities for advancement.
Does Project 5000 work with ex-offenders?
The term ex-offenders it has a negative connotation; we work with individuals who have a desire to create change in their own lives and their communities whether we facilitate the service directly or connect the individual with a resource that can address their barriers.
The greatest misconception within African-Americans communities is these individuals are uneducated on the Sealing and Expungement process and those who are aware have a minimal amount of faith in systematic processes. A great number of individuals are eligible for the sealing and expungement process. Each year for the past decade the guidelines have made more individuals eligible to engage in the process.
Individuals with barriers are not only individuals with criminal records; included are veterans, single-parents, young men and women in needs of mentors and guidance.
