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Beacon of Hope Resource Center

Programs

A "program" describes an issue that this organization addresses by having a committee, task force or events to focus on this area of concern.

BUCRP (Beacon of Hope/University of New Orleans Community Recovery Project)

Program Description

As part of the Neighborhood Revitalization Model, Beacon of Hope Resource Center trains and empowers residents to become advocates for their neighborhoods. Residents are assembled and assigned to Teams to address issues such as crime, blight management, infrastructure repair, green space restoration, volunteer coordination and quality of life enhancement. Teams also survey their neighborhoods and work with Beacon Headquarters and local government to address and rectify problems.

The survey data collected by these Teams is integrated to into our master database, Geographic Information System (GIS). Through a partnership with University of New Orleans, this web-based mapping system layers data information collected and condition maps are produced. These maps, visually display the results of neighborhood surveys indicating the status of every home in the surveyed area. This is a simple way for residents to identify blight, Louisiana Land Trust properties, and occupancy of homes. Developers and business owners use our maps to forecast economic viability by identifying heavily populated areas in which to open or reestablish new or pre-existing commercial businesses. City and state agencies have also used this survey data and mapping to establish priority areas of infrastructure repair and blight mitigation.

Location

New Orleans, LA

Meeting Times

N/A

Harrison Avenue Marketplace

Program Description

Denise Thornton recognized that it would take more than rebuilt homes to bring her neighbors back to Lakeview. Parallel growth was essential for recovery. Neighborhood services and businesses needed to return as well. Working with Beacon of Hope Resource Center, the non-profit organization she founded after Hurricane Katrina, the way to bring residents and businesses together became clear – host a Marketplace.
August 17, 2007 was the date set for the first Harrison Avenue Marketplace, less than a year after the storm. The site selected was the parking lot of a closed grocery store on the Harrison Avenue business corridor, the heart of Lakeview. Two event planning pros volunteered to help plan the event. Restaurants, businesses, associations, artists, musicians, and friends were recruited to participate.
The only expectation for the Marketplace was the heat, since summer was still lingering and much of Lakeview was still vacant. However, 2,500 attendees arrived to enjoy the food, music, crafts, and most importantly, see and talk to other people. As attendees connected with friends and neighbors, it was the words that echoed throughout the night, “You’re back now!”
As the Marketplace doubled in size, so did our ideas. In October 2007, the Marketplace started themes, such as “Cajun Thanksgiving” in November, “Hearts on Harrison” in February, “Irish Easter” in April, and “Pontchartrain Beach Party” in May.
Today, the Harrison Avenue Marketplace is a cornerstone of the Lakeview community. On the second Wednesday of the month, the Marketplace never fails to draw over 3,000 attendees to the 72 vendors sharing food, art, crafts, resources, and community spirit.
Economic studies of the Harrison Avenue Marketplace by Marketumbrella.org and University of New Orleans show an approximate $3.6 million direct economic impact over two years, helping Lakeview area businesses attain pre-Katrina revenue.
The Marketplace’s success has not gone unnoticed by other communities. This summer, two more Marketplaces will be established in Gentilly and New Orleans East. Our two event planning pros now serve as consultants for all three Marketplaces.

Location

801 Harrison Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70124

Meeting Times

Second Wednesday of each month (Aug – May) from 5-8pm

No Place Like Home Tours

Program Description

These tours were developed to showcase our growing communities, encourage residents to rebuild, and attract potential buyers, by allowing them to tour homes being restored.

These tours not only help to repopulate devastated areas, but also give neighbors a vehicle to reconnect with each other.

Location

Lakeview (2007)

Meeting Times

Coming soon… Gentilly.