Program: Urban Coalition, Community Information Clearinghouse, St. Paul, MN Contact(s): Yusef Mgeni, President, or Susan Zoff, Communications Officer: (612) 348-8550 Purpose: To provide low-income communities with access to timely information and research about their communities Background Program Operations Outcomes Background In 1992, the Community Information Clearinghouse was started by the Urban Coalition to provide community groups with access to data and information. (The Urban Coalition is a non-profit research and advocacy organization that works with the low-income communities of color to address political, economic and social issues that are identified in the areas of education, employment, health, and poverty.) Initially, the data focused on 1990 Census, but in time the program became inclusive of local and state government data. Now in its sixth year of operation, the program works in conjunction with many organizations throughout Minnesota. Program Operations The staff of the Community Information Clearinghouse consists of the vice president for research and a research associate who have expertise in immigration, census analysis and housing. There is an advisory committee that includes both research experts and representatives of community organizations that routinely use data resources. The advisory committee and staff bring together public agencies and nonprofit groups concerned with the evaluation of welfare reform and the dissemination of information on the impact of housing, transportation, employment and other issues. Outcomes and Significant Accomplishments In the last six years of operation, the Urban Coalition's Community Information Clearinghouse has assisted over 300 organizations throughout the state of Minnesota. Staff have consulted with over 75 organizations in the past year and have helped to provide grants for information projects. Their accomplishments include a publication, "Minnesota Populations of Color: Health Status," which provides specific information about communities of color and health care. In October 1997, staff also organized the third annual Information for Change Conference, which attracted over 120 participants from around the country. During the conference, sessions dealt with subjects ranging from organizing welfare reform through the use of the Internet and the best ways to find information.