CEDC, a private non-profit housing community development corporation, is part of the national NeighborWorks® network, an affiliation of more than 225 nonprofit organizations increasing homeownership, producing affordable housing and revitalizing neighborhoods in more than 2,500 communities across the nation. In 2004, the NeighborWorks® network generated more than $2.2 billion in total direct investment and helped more than 90,000 low- to moderate-income families purchase, improve and maintain their homes. The NeighborWorks® network was founded and is supported by Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, chartered by Congress in 1978. The Corporation strengthens the network through training, technical assistance and funding. During this year’s National NeighborWorks® Week, CEDC and other NeighborWorks® organizations across the country mobilized tens of thousands of businesspeople, residents and government officials in a week of neighborhood change and awareness. They rehabilitated and repaired homes, painted and landscaped properties, conducted neighborhood tours, recognized successful partnerships and hosted a number of events that educate, train and inform. In 2004, more than 90,000 families benefited from the week’s activities nationwide. Citibank is a member of Citigroup (NYSE: C), the preeminent global financial services company that has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, insurance, securities brokerage, and asset management. Major brand names under Citigroup’s trademark red umbrella include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney, Banamex, and Travelers Life and Annuity. The Citigroup Foundation focuses its grants primarily in three areas: financial education, educating the next generation, and building communities and entrepreneurs. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com.
Ventura County businesses and residents donate time and resources to Fillmore neighbors
July 08, 2005
Santa Paula News
Armed with paint brushes, shovels, and determination, over 150 volunteers and 27 donating businesses worked on more than 16 Fillmore homes on Saturdays June 4th and 11th for a week-long celebration of neighborhood revitalization activities nationally recognized as National NeighborWorks® Week.
Armed with paint brushes, shovels, and determination, over 150 volunteers and 27 donating businesses worked on more than 16 Fillmore homes on Saturdays June 4th and 11th for a week-long celebration of neighborhood revitalization activities nationally recognized as National NeighborWorks® Week. Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), the City of Fillmore , and Citibank generously sponsored this year’s project.Both Saturdays were a beautiful example of what a small number of committed neighbors can do in few hours. Volunteers from the neighborhood and organizations across Ventura County worked hard to paint houses, landscape yards, build fences and remove trash. In addition, a heartwarming number of business donations continued during the week, and CEDC’s construction staff finished a number of projects on some houses in the following few days. The transformation was gratifying for all involved. Vanessa Downing, a resident whose home was included in the block-long clean-up reflected on the experience, “Since NeighborWorks(r) Week, I have looked out my window and have seen the woman that lives next to me out watering her lawn. She seems to smile more. Before, there was just dirt. Now that there is a lawn there, the house looks so much more beautiful. It is refreshing to see her happiness.” Vanessa added, “There was a sense of community at the event. You see your neighbors and you wave hi, but you never really get to stop and talk to them. We all agree that we need to get together more often, and host a barbeque or block party of some kind.”CEDC appreciates Citibank for co-sponsoring this year’s NeighborWorks® Week project with us. “Citibank has been a long-time partner of Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation’s, helping dozens of families in Ventura County to become homeowners,” said Tony Porretta, area manager for Citibank.
