National Group Targets Peoria's 61605 Zip Code for Clean up Mission
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: May 4, 2012
PEORIA--Local Initiatives Support Corporation or "LISC" operates in several cities with a plan to improve areas in need.
Now it wants to target the 61605 zip code.
"For someone to want to come in and change that it's very exciting."
33 year old Ericka Ivory has lived in the south side for 15 years and provides childcare to area children.
While she tries her hardest to help them learn and play, she worries for their future.
"They don't have anywhere to go or anywhere to spend their free time, or any extra-curricular activities to get involved in," said Ivory.
Turns out the 61605 zip code is one of the 100 poorest in the country.
Ivory says homes are falling apart, businesses are vacant, and crime is getting worse.
"Really no concern for each other as far as your neighbors and things," Ivory admits.
But Local Initiatives Support Corporation is taking action to change that.
It works with community organizations like the Peoria Housing Authority to transform depressed areas into safe places to live.
"When you have an organization like LISC who can bring national and technical assistance with a track record that been demonstrated in other communities the likelihood of success is greater," said Peoria Housing Authority Executive Director Brenda Coates.
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin it started a program to teach students about animals.
In Minneapolis, Minnesota it worked with the police department to repair run down homes.
"Maybe a grocery store, or maybe it's a family restaurant," explained Coates. "Areas where kids can go out to play."
Coates says the plan works by reaching out to area residents for ideas and looks forward to the coming months.
"Help is on the way, and they're going to be meeting to get feedback from the residents so be ready," said Coates.
The Caterpillar Foundation has invested three million dollars to help LISC launch its effort in Peoria.
For more information on the corporation, log onto www.lisc.org
Now it wants to target the 61605 zip code.
"For someone to want to come in and change that it's very exciting."
33 year old Ericka Ivory has lived in the south side for 15 years and provides childcare to area children.
While she tries her hardest to help them learn and play, she worries for their future.
"They don't have anywhere to go or anywhere to spend their free time, or any extra-curricular activities to get involved in," said Ivory.
Turns out the 61605 zip code is one of the 100 poorest in the country.
Ivory says homes are falling apart, businesses are vacant, and crime is getting worse.
"Really no concern for each other as far as your neighbors and things," Ivory admits.
But Local Initiatives Support Corporation is taking action to change that.
It works with community organizations like the Peoria Housing Authority to transform depressed areas into safe places to live.
"When you have an organization like LISC who can bring national and technical assistance with a track record that been demonstrated in other communities the likelihood of success is greater," said Peoria Housing Authority Executive Director Brenda Coates.
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin it started a program to teach students about animals.
In Minneapolis, Minnesota it worked with the police department to repair run down homes.
"Maybe a grocery store, or maybe it's a family restaurant," explained Coates. "Areas where kids can go out to play."
Coates says the plan works by reaching out to area residents for ideas and looks forward to the coming months.
"Help is on the way, and they're going to be meeting to get feedback from the residents so be ready," said Coates.
The Caterpillar Foundation has invested three million dollars to help LISC launch its effort in Peoria.
For more information on the corporation, log onto www.lisc.org
