Monday, December 26, 2005
Free Tax Preparation for Income Eligible Residents in Hoke County The Blue Springs-Hoke County Community Development Corporation in partnership with the Robeson County Community Development Corporation is pleased to announce that free income tax preparation and filing services will be available during the filing period of January 2006 until April 2006. This service is being made possible through a small grant from EITC of the Carolina's. Families who may qualify of Earned Income Tax Credits are strongly urged and encouraged to take advantaged of this free service. Local partners and tax preparation sites include: The Hoke County Smart Start Offices, Hoke County Senior Services, Hoke County Cooperative Extension Services, and Blue Springs CDC. Robeson County sites will also be available and contact should be made directly through the Robeson County Community Development Corporation. Contact Gayle Hernandez at 910-608-7400. For more information about Hoke County sites contact us at 910-904-0312.
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Monday, January 10, 2005
Financial Literacy Information Session Are You Interested??? Come to an information session on January 18, 2005at 6:30 pm at: Hoke Literacy Council, Call 904-0312 for more information. Download the flyer (doc file) or... 02:44 AM EST [Link] |
Monday, December 13, 2004
Annual Meeting Thank You!
This is a note of thanks and deep appreciation to our sponsors, friends, supporters, cheerleaders, volunteers, and everyone who helped make our 10th Annual Meeting a success. We intend to move forward with outcomes produced. A special round of applause for those who attended. Blue Springs Hoke County CDC 03:04 AM EST [Link] |
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Blue Springs-Hoke County CDC 10th Annual Meeting
 You Are Invited to Join Us!
"Creating Community through Homeownership-Building From Within"
10:56 PM EST [Link] |
Thursday, May 20, 2004
Fourth Annual Juneteenth Celebration The Blue Springs-Hoke County Community Development Corporation and the Nia Community Cultural Collective invite you to join us in the wonderful rural quaintness of downtown Raeford in Hoke County on Saturday, June 19th from 11:30 AM until 6:00 PM, during Father's Day Weekend, as we commemorate the community's Fourth Annual Juneteenth Celebration. The Hoke County Library Stage will come alive with Caribbean sounds of Wilton Dubois and "Resounding Steel"; stories by MamaIlu; and wonderful presentations by local community artists craftspeople. There will be something for all members of the family, including kidspace, a petting zoo, and more. Don't miss the opportunity to share, grow, and know more from a cultural heritage perspective. Vendors are welcomed. For more information contact Christina at 910-904-0312 or visit our website at http://bluespringscdc.com for forms. We look forward to your participation. This project is receiving North Carolina Arts Council grassroots outreach funding support. 06:16 PM EST [Link] |
Monday, April 19, 2004
HUB Outreach How to Do Business With The State of North Carolina The Office of Historically Underutilized Businesses will sponsor several vendor orientation sessions to help vendors understand the state's procurement process. Time will allowed at the end of the program for questions and an opportunity will be provided to network with purchasers, facility managers and several prime contractors. These training sessions are an excellent learning avenue for both new and seasoned vendors. New vendors will get an overview of the entire procurement process, and long-time vendors will have the opportunity to learn about recent changes and to receive updated information. Therefore, mark your calendar and plan to attend a session. The vendor training sessions are scheduled from 8:00am-1:30pm on the following dates: April 27, 2004 There will also be a breakout session geared toward construction contract opportunities during each session Registration is limited to the first 175 people at each session, therefore, please contact Karen Parker for the HUB Vendor Orientation Training Registration Form to register for the session of your choice. Don't forget to inquire about directions and information on parking Karen Parker 02:49 AM EST [Link] |
National Youth Court Center Website FYI: The Web site of the National Youth Court Center at the American Probation and Visit the National Youth Court Center 12:38 AM EST [Link] |
Saturday, April 17, 2004
North Carolina Literary Festival From RTPnet. There's still time to attend the North Carolina Literary Festival. Have fun!
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Thursday, April 15, 2004
New Article Published at OMB Watch The Estate Tax and Charitable Giving: State-by-State Analysis Research has shown that eliminating the estate tax would have a For the nation as a whole, estate Download full report (.pdf) You can read it by visiting this link: The Estate Tax and Charitable Giving: State-by-State Analysis 01:58 PM EST [Link] |
Free Resource - Spanish language media CD From The Community Technology Centers Members' List There is a free Spanish language CD-ROM available from the New 12:57 PM EST [Link] |
Monday, April 12, 2004
Race-Based Challenge Mounted to Allocating Tax Credits for Low-Cost Housing Article taken from KnowledgePlex by Mary P. Gallagher The Low Income Housing Tax Credit program is the chief source of funding for affordable housing in New Jersey. The New Jersey Housing and Finance Mortgage Agency doles out about $15 million worth of credits a year to spur development of affordable housing. But the Fair Share Housing Center of Cherry Hill, a nonprofit advocacy group, argues that the criteria in the agency's Qualified Allocation Plan concentrates construction in inner cities, perpetuating segregated housing patterns and segregated schools. Last year, for example, nine of the 14 projects that received credits were in census tracts with greater than 85 percent minority populations. And 506 of the 743 units were to be built in municipalities whose schools are more than 90 percent minority, according to Fair Share, which was denied a contested hearing during the rulemaking process. The HFMA claims it is not compelled by state or federal law to deny subsidies to affordable housing in largely minority urban areas. The 1986 federal tax statute that created the credit program does not mention race as a factor. Fair Share argues that, nevertheless, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 creates a mandate for integration. At oral arguments this month in In re Adoption of the 2003 Low Income Housing Tax Credit Qualified Allocation Plan, Appellate Judges James Havey, Richard Newman and Robert Fall seemed to see merit in Fair Share's contention that race should be a factor. At the outset, Havey instructed counsel to assume that the HFMA is subject to language in Title VIII that agencies administer programs "in a manner affirmatively to further the purposes of this title." Fair Share attorney Peter O'Connor began by telling the judges that the criteria laid out in the Qualified Allocation Plan are "fundamentally flawed." He said the agency refuses to consider racial implications of its siting criteria and Fair Share is "looking for a directive from the court to correct the deficiencies in the QAP prospectively." "Outline what we should do," Havey requested. O'Connor pointed to standards used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that address racial concentration. Those standards should be supplemented by "school considerations" and "the Mount Laurel considerations of regional opportunity," he urged. Havey asked whether O'Connor agreed that, aside from the impact of the Mount Laurel doctrine, the state cannot trump local power to zone. O'Connor replied that while the HFMA might not have power to zone, neither is it bound by local zoning restrictions. "There is almost nothing this agency cannot do in the area of housing development," he said. O'Connor said that the 2003 criteria work against what should be the HFMA's goal of promoting integration in housing. For example, they deny tax credits to builders who qualify for a density bonus. The Council on Affordable Housing is part of the problem. The federal government sets affordability standards, but states can go lower. "COAH set the floor too high," skewing suburban construction toward moderate rather than low-cost housing, O'Connor said. Kenneth Zimmerman, of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, argued on its behalf and three other amici on Fair Share's side: the New Jersey Public Policy Research Institute, the Housing and Community Development Network and the Coalition for Affordable Housing and the Environment. Zimmerman argued that the Title VIII provision at issue shows Congress intended to promote residential integration by requiring "active steps" toward that goal. The HFMA has taken steps to promote economically mixed housing but it continues to resist the legal mandate to consider racial impact, he added. Though the agency has suggested that considering race would run afoul of case law on affirmative action, racial quotas are not at issue here. The broad issue is "how is the state going to apply its resources to accomplish Mount Laurel objectives," he continued. Zoning is the most significant constraint, but resources also matter. The state "is saying Mount Laurel stops short of the most significant set of housing subsidies available," Zimmerman said. Judge Newman asked the HFMA's lawyer, Senior Deputy Attorney General Carol Johnston, whether, if there are not enough tax credits for New Jersey's needs, more might be obtained. Johnston responded that if New Jersey exhausts its share of credits, which are based on population, it can draw from a national pool. Judge Fall asked: "If we find that the QAP has a substantial effect in promoting discrimination, do you agree the regulations would be void?" Johnston said that the 2003 QAP has added various preferences and set asides that should lead to revitalization of urban areas and more mixed-income housing, which, assuming low-income is a proxy for race, should increase diversity. "Will it or will it not promote integration?" pressed Fall. It should assist with revitalization and economic integration, Johnston answered. Asked by Havey what the HFMA had done to "affirmatively further integration," Johnston said, "We have not refused or denied tax credit to projects in urban areas with high minority populations. We have not directed them solely to white neighborhoods." Was it the state's position that its creation and promotion of housing opportunity may result in integration but that was not its mission, asked Havey. "Yes, but let me explain," answered Johnston. The cases cited by plaintiffs are "round pegs" while "we've got a square hole," she said. In those cases, courts would not allow low-income housing to be concentrated in black areas in cities that included both black and white neighborhoods, explained Johnston. They don't apply here because New Jersey's cities are entirely minority. The HFMA has acted to promote mixed-income housing and community revitalization and to help meet COAH obligations, and has "not much to do beyond that," Johnston said. "We should do no harm," she concluded. 03:20 PM EST [Link] |
Upcoming KnowledgePlex Chat to Focus on EITC The next live chat on KnowledgePlex will focus on the Earned Income Tax Credit and how it can help low-income families accrue wealth. Our guests will be Willie Logan, president and CEO of the Opa-locka Community Development Corp. in Florida, and Anita Carwile, senior program analyst with the IRS' Volunteers and Community Partnerships group. They will respond to questions on Wednesday, April 14, at 3 p.m. EDT. Studies show that as many as 25 percent of households who qualify for the EITC don't take it. Community groups such as CDCs can help eligible families take advantage of this benefit with free tax-preparation services. Through such services, CDCs can recruit residents to participate in financial counseling, individual development accounts, home lending, and other CDC activities. The Volunteers and Community Partnerships program of the IRS also aids this effort. It joins with community groups to link EITC outreach and free tax preparation with asset-building strategies. 02:51 PM EST [Link] |
Thursday, January 8, 2004
Strategic Corridors Forum One of nine regional strategic transportation forums will be held in Southern Pines on January 14, 2004. The forums will be held over a three month period. Click the link below for more information. 09:49 AM EST [Link] |
Tuesday, January 6, 2004
North American Rural Futures Institute Ran across this on AFCN Ever heard of Micropolitan Statistical Area? Know what it means for development of entrepreneurship in our local and regional economies? Find out the answers and more below.
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Saturday, December 20, 2003
Whre Is The Money? Wanna know where our tax dollars are going? 12:35 PM EST [Link] |
Monday, December 15, 2003
Hoke County’s 9th Annual Community Kwanzaa Celebration Set The Hoke County Community is invited to participate in this year’s annual Community Kwanzaa Celebration on Sunday, December 28th at the J. W. Turlington Auditorium. Activities will begin at 3:00 PM and end with a potluck dinner at 6:30 PM. North Carolina Touring Artist, Obakunle Akinlana will be the showcase performer for this year’s Kawanzaa activities. Community Volunteers, Community Performers, along with Community Elders are especially invited to participate. Vendors, Community Crafts-persons, and Entrepreneurs are also invited to display their wares and support this event for a small fee. The next community organizing meeting will be held on Friday afternoon, December 19th, at 4:30 PM in the Hoke County Public Library Conference Room. Interested persons are invited to attend this organizing meeting. Contact: Christina Davis-McCoy at 904-0312, Tom Squier at 875-2147, or “Niecy” McAllister McRae @875-7325 for more information. The event is supported by a North Carolina Arts Council grant. FEATURING... Obakunle Akinlana
Obakunle Akinlana as a touring artistObakunle Akinlana is a storyteller who uses drums, shekeres, and other African musical instruments to present fun and exciting traditional African folktales. His programs focus on the arts and folklore of the Yoruba people of Southwest Nigeria, a culture he has studied for more than 22 years. Akinlana performs at festivals, colleges, universities, community centers, libraries, schools, and other events. All performances and programs meet the N.C. School Performance Standards in music, language, social studies, and art.Performances include a solo program using drums and other instruments to bring exciting African folktales to life. Fee: $400 and up depending on number of performances, plus travel (grade -adults)."Alo Irintan Yoruba" is a 50-minute presentation that features Akinlana accompanied by a musician and dancer. Yoruba artifacts such as bead art, wood carvings, basketry, calabashes, textiles, and musical instruments are included in this presentation. Fee: $700 and up depending on number of performances, plus travel (grade 4-adults).Additional activities include workshops in African drumming, dance, jewelry making, and shekere making. Fee: $400 per day, plus supplies. 05:20 PM EST [Link] |
Sunday, December 14, 2003
Another Empowering Link What's going on in your community? Find out: 09:40 AM EST [Link] |
Wednesday, December 3, 2003
Annual Meeting 2003 Community Letter December 2, 2003 Greetings Community Partners and Friends: The Blue Springs-Hoke County Community Development Corporation 9th Annual Meeting and Community Involvement Program “Holding Fast to the American Dream: Housing Hoke County Families” will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2003 at the East Hoke Middle School, located at 200 North US 401 Bypass, Raeford, North Carolina. Registration and a continental breakfast will begin promptly at 9:00 am. Community conversation sessions designed to provide practical information and offer solutions focused at meeting the goals and objectives of the task ahead in Hoke County will be held between 9:30am-12:00pm. Topics will include: “Financial Literacy Education”, a stepping-stone to homebuyer education showcasing the “Money Smart” curriculum; Understanding Individual Development Accounts “IDA’s” a tool or access to building wealth; and “It’s Going to Take a Village”, challenging the faith based initiative while building community capacity through church and community partnerships. We offer our advance thanks to you—on behalf of the many families we’ve touched this year with your help—for our ongoing collaboration and partnership. Please know that it is only with your help that we are able to further our mission of working to make Hoke County—and its surrounding communities--- a better place to work, live, and play. We look forward to your presence on December 6th. See you there! Respectfully, Christina Davis-McCoy    Post Office Box 157 Raeford, North Carolina 28376 <><><><><><> “Holding Fast to the American Dream: Housing Hoke County Families” Presented by the East Hoke Middle School 9:00am-12:00pm 9:00am 9:30 – 12:00 <><><><><><><><><> “Financial Literacy Education” IDA’s: Understanding Individual Development Accounts It’s Going to Take a Village Recognition of the 2003 Community Partners 04:33 AM EST [Link] |
Friday, May 16, 2003
Central Appalachian Network's Online Forum
 12:20 AM EST [Link] |
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
A Debit Card That Fights Predatory Lending, Check-Cashing, and Banking!! Russell Simmons of Def Comedy Jam fame, hip hop development, and mega millionnaire has, once again, creatively instituted a way for people impacted by predatory financial practices to become more empowered. The Rush Prepaid Visa Card , called The Rush Card, is issued by UniRush and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc and only available to residents of the United States. Couldn't rent a car, reserve hotel space, or purchase without a hassle? You can now. Just click on the following link for more details. the Rush Visa Card : Credit Card Convenience without the Credit Card Debt Please be advised that the following links: Accucard and Accucard are not affiliated with the Rush Card nor Blue Springs-Hoke County CDC. They are listed in Google with references to this log. We are in no way affiliated with Accucard--the name associated with those links. 01:16 PM EST [Link] |
Friday, April 25, 2003
Housing Discrimination? That's just the "tip" STUDY FINDS HOUSING DISCRIMINATION TO BE SIGNIFICANTLY UNDERREPORTED Publication Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Pennsylvania) 02:51 PM EST [Link] |
Friday, April 4, 2003
AARP Magazine--More than just a read For those of you over 50, boomers and beyond, get invigorated and keep abreast of the world according to Us. Happy reading! 08:04 PM EST [Link] |
Thursday, April 3, 2003
State Board of Elections Check your voter registration. Become more knowledgeable concerning NC Voting Information, Data and Statistics, Forms, Election Laws, and more. 05:19 AM EST [Link] |
Thursday, March 13, 2003
Project Vote Smart How politically astute are you? Take the National Political Awareness Test, register to vote, cover current issues and legislation. An excellent site! Includes all of the current presidential candidates and more. 07:11 PM EST [Link] |
Sunday, January 26, 2003
DON'T AGONIZE...ORGANIZE!!! DON'T AGONIZE...ORGANIZE!!! This saying is one that we are encouraging more people to embrace and adopt from an action-oriented position--especially, as we find ourselves confronted with National and Global realities that threaten and impact our lives and have far reaching implications for our future lives as well. Some of those realities are more glaring than others and include: *The senseless drive to war by our National leaders when "we the people" are against it We recognize that a call for organized action demands that individuals and communities acquire a series of dynamic skill sets to undertake that action. There are growing discussions among local, statewide, and regional organizations about the hows/wheres/whens of bringing people together and beginning --in some cases and supporting in others--the process of órchestrated movement building. Over the next few weeks we will be formulating dates, places, and activities surrounding these ongoing interests. Some discussion has already been given to a statewide training event in March with the North Carolina Association of CDC's, Southerners for Economic Justice, and the North Carolina Alliance for Economic Justice serving as primary conveners and many other organizations serving as co-conveners. We invite your attention to our calendar for updated information and your direct emails to us via links on the web page regarding your interest for participation. Now is the time to Stand-UP!!!!
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Wednesday, January 15, 2003
Not just a Resource--A Major Source It would take pages to explain what this resource is all about. Excellent!
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Sunday, January 12, 2003
Carolina Advocates for Legal Reform CALR was founded by Thelma McKoy, a retired historian who for many years taught her students that the U.S. Constitution was a great masterpiece of humanity. However, after seeking medical and legal help following a car accident that left her permanently disabled, she quickly learned that "justice for all" really meant "justice for those with the money and power." She now speaks out about injustices in the legal system to help awaken our sleeping nation about the dangers of the lawyer monopoly. Her book Trapped in the Lawyers' Den with Bloodsuckers provides an alarming account of her personal experiences with a corrupt group of lawyers and doctors in Charlotte, North Carolina who pretended to help her while scheming to leave her disabled and penniless. Carolina Advocates for Legal Reform (CALR) After reading her book, you won't view the judicial system the same as before. 02:39 PM EST [Link] |
Friday, January 10, 2003
Online Historical Game Helps Students Discover Contemporary Voices Now and then, a gem appears. Thanks to Judy Hallman over at RTPnet for passing this one on.
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