United Way of Greater Lafayette & Lafayette Weed and Seed

September 18, 2008

United Way and Weed & Seed Partnership Receives Five-Year Federal Grant

The Lafayette project, following the lead of other successful AFI/IDA projects, will match each saved dollar with three dollars. Over five years, up to 48 families will either purchase their first home or attend Ivy Tech programs. The AFI program will move participants, mostly working parents, up the socioeconomic ladder while decreasing the likelihood of poverty for their children.

“This is an exciting big step on the United Way journey of creating lasting change for our community,” said James Taylor, executive director of Greater Lafayette United Way. “It’s a very real opportunity to alter the course of generational poverty for those who participate.”

The program features two types of matched savings plans:

* One-income participants can save towards education at Ivy Tech Community College. With a savings cap of $1,250, the saver will amass $5,000 for tuition, books and lab fees because of the matching funds.

* Two-income participants can save towards the purchase of a home in the downtown Weed and Seed area. With a $4,000 ($2,000 each) household savings cap, the savers will accrue $16,000 for a down payment and closing costs for a first home purchase.

JoAnn Miller, Purdue associate dean for interdisciplinary studies and engagement and the grant proposal’s author, said: “Asset building is the most effective way to prevent poverty. The AFI/IDA program will make Lafayette stronger by increasing home ownership and work skills for a number of residents. This is exactly what our community needs at a time when residents express concerns about jobs and the economy.”

By boosting the educational attainment and home ownership of residents of the Weed & Seed area, human and social capital are increased, said Taylor.

Program participants will be supported by a network of social and human service providers, financial counselors, and educational programs. In addition to the United Way of Greater Lafayette and the Lafayette Weed & Seed Initiative, the provider network includes: the city of Lafayette, Lafayette Bank and Trust Company, Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue University, Habitat for Humanity of Lafayette, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Trinity United Methodist Church and two volunteer income tax assistance programs.

The IDA program is slated to begin accepting applications in January, 2009. For more information, including participant criteria, contact Adam Murphy, Weed & Seed site coordinator, at 807-1089.

The Lafayette Weed & Seed Program begins its second year on October 1, 2008. Already, Lafayette has seen a decrease in crime and an increase in the number of neighborhood watch programs. “Our Weed and Seed approach is to reduce crime, not only through vigorous enforcement, but also by stabilizing and strengthening our community,” said Mayor Tony Roswarski. “We know that these types of programs improve neighborhoods, and the impact on the families involved is tremendous.” 

Since 1923, United Way of Greater Lafayette has raised over $107 million to support the services and programs of its partner agencies. If you would like to make a donation to United Way, call 742-9077 or visit the United Way office at 1114 State St., Lafayette.