How NeighborhoodsNOW Works
NeighborhoodsNOW is rooted in time-proven community-building techniques from organizing and relationship-building, to planning, deal-making and partnerships. It adds a structured but flexible framework for linking many elements into a cohesive and coordinated whole. 

NeighborhoodsNOW works because it deploys resources through a fast-moving central intermediary (Greater Kansas City LISC) and nurtures networks of support and peer-sharing to bridge neighborhood needs, fields of expertise and partnerships with multiple agencies and organizations.

The program focuses on six targeted urban-core neighborhoods where residents were engaged to complete a vision for their neighborhood – a “Quality of Life Plan.” Now in its third year, NeighborhoodsNOW is fully engaged in helping make those Quality of Life Plans a reality.

NeighborhoodsNOW investments can take the form of direct costs for programs, grants and contracts issued to service and program providers, and loans for community projects.  LISC supports projects and programs that, in most cases, would not happen without NeighborhoodsNOW investment. 

While each neighborhood's plan in unique, rebuilding and improvements may include:

• new and rehab housing and minor home repair programs designed to improve property values;
• infrastructure improvements such as street lighting and green space development and street repair;
• safety and crime reduction programs through a partnership with local police departments;
• the addition of residential support services, such as after-school activities, community centers, health care and transportation; and
• leadership programs to help residents organize and identify strategies to solve neighborhood needs.

From its inception in 2006 through the second quarter 2008,

Greater Kansas City LISC has invested more than

$12.9 million through NeighborhoodsNOW initiatives.