Creating Linkages Among Community-Based Organizations, the University, and Public Housing Entities

Recognizing the extent to which public housing authorities (PHAs) affect their ten ants and surrounding communities, HUD has developed several initiatives to address the significant social and economic problems associated with PHAs. One such pro gram is the university-based Community Outreach Partnership Center (COPC), a modest initiative by HUD standards that is not yet integrated with its larger pro grams. The University of South Florida's Florida Community Partnership Center is a COPC that has successfully collaborated with community-based organizations to form a multifaceted partnership team. Its collaborative-building approach allows for improved strategies and services that enhance outcomes for public housing and neighboring residents. This process has led to public- and private-sector buy-in and is replicable at other universities.