Box 22, Folder 17, Document 24

Box 22, Folder 17, Document 24

SUMMARY STATEMENT ON NETGECORHOOD CENTERS

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The Task Force is concerned over what appeers to be a
tendency to look at neighborhood centers through the wrong end of
whe telescope.

The question is not how many centers we need, nor whether
they should be pure information centers, diagnosis centers, one-
stop multi-purpose centers, or other combinations.

The acuestion is how to take the bewildering maze or
present social services (broadly defined). and develop a system
ror delivering those services in a manner that makes sense from the
standpoint of the men, women, and children who need help the most.

Neighborhood centers can serve as the delivery erm for the
city's system of social services.

They can serve effectively, however, only if the city's
system is rationally organized to provide coordinated and mutually
reinforcing services in a manner thet genuinely meets the consumer's
needs,

They cannot -- and should not -- become small replicas that
simply mirror and seek to compete with the larger institutions thet

up the present disorganized system. In the long run that would

@

mak
only add one more twist to an already tortuous maze.

Unless there is reorganization at the federal, state, and
locel level to develop a system that is tailored from the viewpoint
of the individual's needs, the establishment of neighborhood centers

in every ghetto of America will have little lasting value.
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Recommendations: The Task Force therefore recommends:

1. That the proposed inter-agency demonstration in 14
cities negotiate only with cities willing to develop plans and mechanisms
for the coordination and rational delivery of its service system.

2. That, to the extent possible, this inter-agency demonstra-
tion be carried out in cities participating in the Model Cities Program.

3. That the inter-agency steering committee be directed to
study and make recommendations for revision of federal statutory and |
administrative regulations that would contribute to the development
of a coordinated system ;

4, That, to provide greater funding flexibility, legislation
should be sought to enable HUD to use present funds for services as well
as physical facilities.

5. That any neighborhood centers established be equipped with
the mandate and resources to serve as an effective catalyst,influence and
advocate for making the total system more responsive to individual's needs.

6. That the program be carried out with maximum participation

and involvement of the people to be served.

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