Got City Game launches in Cleveland's neighborhoods
After much build-up and justified hype, the first webisode (for those of you with a puzzled look on your face, that's a tv episode broadcast exclusively over the internet) of Got City Game Cleveland launched on November 17th. This civic-minded reality show aims to highlight Cleveland's cool factor and keep young talent in the region.  Three teams, one of which is sponsored by LiveCLEVELAND!, engage in unique city challenges and trivia competitions. They are competing for a free apartment at Tremont Place Lofts and many other great prizes. Find out more at www.gotcitygame.tv.

While just a handful of city neighborhoods are featured in this year's Got City Game contest, this should definitely be considered a win for all city neighborhoods, as it highlights vibrancy and diversity in Cleveland. This is truly a unique marketing opportunity for Cleveland using a new media approach to engage an audience directly to educate and generate excitement for city living. Join us in celebrating this effort by getting the word out about the Game and start thinking about how your neighborhood could take advantage of this opportunity. Plans for future versions of Got City Game are already underway!

Census 2010

Every ten years, the United States conducts a count of the population known as the Census.  It is mandated by the U.S. Constitution, it requires everyone participate, and it protects all personal information shared.  The one-page census form takes about 10 minutes to complete.  It is mailed and distributed to everyone in March 2010 and must be completed and mailed back by Census Day, April 1, 2010.

Why is the census important?
The census determines the amount of federal funding states receive for services such as Head Start, WIC, Section 8, School Funding, Hospitals, Empowerment Zone, Community Development Block Grants, roads and infrastructure and emergency food programs. For every person not counted, Ohio could lose $12,000 over the 10-year census cycle.  With the economic challenges facing Ohio, we need to work toward a full and accurate count.  Census numbers are also used by government and businesses in determining where to build schools, plan for public transit and develop retail outlets.  Finally, census data determine the number of members each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.  Ohio is in danger of losing up to two Congressional seats, reducing our representation from 18 to 16.

Thousand of diverse groups across the country are coming together to spread the word about the importance of the census.  Some groups are forming what is known as “Complete Count” committees and registering with the Census Bureau.  You Can Count on Me is a registered Complete Count committee promoting the Census through Ohio’s non-profit network.

Get Together, Have Fun, Help Out!
Host a census event at your block club or community group.  Filling out the Census can be a social occasion. Have your members bring the forms delivered by mail on March 15th, or practice on a sample form.  Walk them through the process and reward them for a job well done with some refreshments or entertainment.  Neighborhood Connections has a limited number of You Can Count on Me Mini-Grants available to neighborhood groups that partner with each other on Census events.  Have an idea?  Call us at 216-615-3259.

ECO-Link: Energy Conservation for Ohioans

The Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) program is designed to provide reduced rate financing through partnering banks for Ohioans completing weatherization improvements and installing energy efficient products in their homes.  The Treasury will place a 2 year certificate of deposit with the bank at five times the project loan amount on behalf of the qualifying customer.  The interest that is earned over the 2 year time period is passed on to the borrower in the form of a 3% interest rate reduction each year for the life of the five year loan. For more infomation, including eligibility, program details, and contact information, click here.

The Cleveland Collectivo: Call for Proposals 2010

Do you have an IDEA that you think would make a difference in Cleveland?  The Cleveland Colectivo would like to make it happen as they are seeking projects to support.  The Colectivo welcomes individuals, new businesses and community projects to participate.  Grant amounts will range between $500 and $5,000, based on the number of projects selected.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
• Keep your response to one page—anything over one page will not be reviewed.
• Remember to include your contact information.
• What category does your project fit into:  Arts, youth development, social service, education, community development, environmental.
• Answer the following questions:
1. What is your idea?
2. How will this project strengthen our community?
3. What makes your project unique?

If the committee likes your idea, you will be asked to submit a full application.  Submit your three answers to info@clevelandcolectivo.org.  Proposals will be accepted between January 1 and January 15, 2010.  We will review the first 50 proposals received.  Once 50 proposals have been received, the current request for proposals will be closed.

The Cleveland Colectivo is a small group of friends, neighbors and colleagues who decided it was time to stop talking about Cleveland’s problems and start investing in solutions. The Colectivo was inspired by the traditional practice of immigrant neighbors who invested in each other’s businesses in order to build community.  Their mission is to strengthen our community through collective investments that identify and nurture innovative projects.  They pool their funds and share energy to invest it back into projects that they see are worthwhile and exciting in Cleveland.  Each member contributes to The Colectivo quarterly and together chooses projects to support.  Every month they gather to discuss ideas, learn about area initiatives and organizations, network with a growing circle of members and continue building The Colectivo. 

If you have an idea to build a stronger community or want to invest in new ideas, please join them.  You are always welcome!!


Member News

Welcome New CNDC Members:

Safeguard Properties is the largest privately held field services company in the United States.  Since 1990, Safeguard has grown from a local company in Cleveland with a few employees, to a national company providing preservation services across the country.  Safeguard is a turn-key resource for all aspects of property management.  Their services include:  property preservation, REO services, insurance loss inspections, title services, property inspections, valuations and hazard claims services.  They are located at 7887 Safeguard Circle (Hub Parkway), Valley View, OH  44125.  Their toll free number is 800-852-8306 or visit their webiste at www.safeguardproperties.com

The Home Repair Resource Center is a nonprofit organization serving the people and houses of our community.  Since it was established in 1971 as a mission outreach of Forest Hill Church, Presbyterian, the purpose of Home Repair Resource Center has been to maintain and strengthen the houses of Cleveland Heights and to support the community's rich diversity.  Their programs help residents complete repairs to their homes (both do-self and contracted), advocate for improved housing and renovate seriously deteriorated properties and return them to the community in excellent condition.  Kathryn Lad is the Executive Director.  The Home Repair Resource Center is located at 2520 Noble Rd. in Cleveland Heights.  They can be reached at 216-381-6100 or visit their website at www.hrrc-ch.org


News from Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization: Special Offer for the Capitol Theater
For the remainder of 2009, residents that live in any of the following zip codes 44102, 44107 or 44113 can come see a movie at the Capitol Theatre for a discounted price on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.  Just bring proof or residency (state issued ID or utility bill with your address) and you'll be able to buy a ticket for $6. For those who don't live in one of these zip codes we've got another offer for you:  Bring in a ticket stub from any other movie theatre (Cleveland Cinemas or any other) and we'll give you a FREE 32oz popcorn!**
 *3D films subject to an additional surcharge.  Not valid on legal holidays.
**Ticket stub must be turned on at the concession stand.  32oz popcorn can be upsized to 85oz for $1

AND Detroit Shoreway C.D.O. has launched its new website at http://www.Detroit Shoreway.org. Explore and enjoy!
 

LiveCLEVELAND! is here to stay