Organizational History and Accomplishments
- opposition to park-west freeway through the neighborhood;
- fighting illegal real estate practices like block busting and racial steering
- conducted Fair Housing Test to determine racial steering. One result was formation of Metropolitan Fair Housing Council to meet city wide demand for Fair Housing investigation.
- work to maintain quality housing by conducting Annual Housing Survey. Outcome of survey is to provide resources to owner occupants for home improvement, hold absentee owners accountable to maintain properties and recognize outstanding homes. An Outstanding House Award Ceremony is also held to recognize owners of homes that are deemed the ‘Best’ in the neighborhood.
- sponsored community festivals like ‘Shermanfest’;
- initiated public safety programs like the Neighbors Watch, a block watch on wheels
- working with the diverse religious groups through SPARC – the Sherman Park Area Religious Community.
- to let residents know the work of the organization, educate residents on a host of issues and to ‘publicize the advantages’ of the neighborhood through the Sherman Park Today! a bi-monthly newspaper.
- organize block clubs and block councils, organize clean-ups, organize monthly Socials and other events, organize meetings to address issues and develop issue campaigns and develop leadership.
- educate community on effects of lead based paint; get children tested for lead and make homes lead safe.
- encourage and administer programs for people to invest in homes, conduct home tours to attract home buyers, engage neighbors in activities to improve blocks, promote positive image of neighborhood. SPCA has conducted an Annual Home Tours recruiting potential homeowners to the neighborhood. Recently have educated residents on the mortgage foreclosure crisis including education on how to avoid foreclosure and information on purchasing foreclosed properties in the neighborhood. SPCA continues efforts to Promote Vitality of the Sherman Park Neighborhood
Community Organizing – SPCA conducts door to door campaigns, establishes and maintains block clubs, organizes residents in coordinated clean-ups and coordinates issue based community events. Block clubs and councils are established with leadership developed through action work on issues and events. Outcomes include improved quality of life, increased property values, reduced crime and increased economic vitality. Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention – The SPCA conducts a focused community capacity building initiative for the prevention of childhood lead poisoning in Milwaukee. We assist in temporary clean up of lead hazards through the implementation of interim controls, promote healthy and habitable housing improvement efforts and develop neighborhood specific initiatives for education and awareness. Healthy Neighborhood Initiative – The Healthy Neighborhood Approach focuses on a simple theory of change. It says that neighborhoods are healthy when they have: a positive image and identity that attracts investment by residents; a real estate market where values are improving and homeownership is stable; physical conditions that reflect pride; neighbors have strong social connections and the capacity to manage day-to-day issues. SPCA’s efforts are to encourage people to invest in home improvement; attract solid homebuyers to the neighborhood; engage neighbors in grassroots activities to improve their block and the neighborhood and improve neighborhood image and develop and maintain a positive identity. Home Repair Programs –SPCA administers the NIP and NIP Supplemental programs to assist low and moderate income homeowners to maintain and make quality improvements to their homes. Homeowners have improved appearance and conditions of their property and residents put additional money into their homes. The NIP is an owner occupied housing rehabilitation program to bring properties into code compliance. The NIP Supplemental addresses needed repairs that pose health and safety hazards. Membership and Committees
For us to remain viable and grow we need an involved membership. Also, please consider getting involved with one of the following committees. Housing Committee – Conduct annual housing survey and follow-up. Work to maintain quality housing stock. Work to rehab homes and promote homeownership. Newspaper – Work to promote the Sherman Park Today! Help with ideas, writing articles or securing ads. Membership and Volunteer Development – Organize recruitment drives, conduct surveys to determine neighborhood issues, help organize socials and town hall meetings. Fund Raising and Resource Development – Create a plan for raising funds to support SPCA. Organize special fund raising events. Education Committee – Work on education related issues that affect the quality of life for the neighborhood. Finance and Properties - Help oversee annual operating budget and maintenance of the SPCA administrative offices at 3520-26 W.
