Program: Hartford Areas Rally Together, Hartford, CT Contact(s): James A. Boucher, Executive Director: (860) 525-3449 Purpose: To identify common problems within a community and develop strategies for solutions Background Program Operations Outcomes Background Hartford Areas Rally Together (HART) was launched in 1975 as a grassroots community organizing project. Over the past 22 years, HART has evolved into a widely respected community development organization with a broad agenda of programs and initiatives to revitalize the six Hartford neighborhoods. Program Operations HART operates in four program areas: community mobilization and revitalization, housing, employment and youth development. Led by a board of directors representing Hartford's neighborhood groups, HART empowers its volunteers to make a difference in their community by teaching them the skills necessary to improve the social and economic conditions of their communities and neighborhoods. Volunteers in HART participate in block clubs, church groups, tenant organizations, neighborhood groups, issue groups, rallies, marches and meetings with public officials. The community mobilization component focuses on participation of thousands of Hartford residents to improve their community by concentrating on enhancing resources for neighborhood revitalization and finding strategies to prevent young people from joining gangs. They also offer family strengthening programs in several targeted neighborhoods of Hartford. Outcomes and Significant Accomplishments HART, benefitting from a diverse mix of public and private financing, has served as an organization that has helped to reduce racial disparity by expanding opportunities in housing, employment and positive youth development. The housing programs sponsored by HART have assisted over 400 low-income families in becoming first-time home buyers, as well as rehabilitated deteriorating houses and neighborhoods. Employment efforts have worked to help residents facilitate effective collaboration with five area businesses to create jobs. HART's efforts in positive youth development have led to recreational programming for over 100 young people, as well as helping to provide over 150 youths with opportunities in leadership and community-service projects.