400 volunteers from around the country participated in GroupWorkcamp, a program in partnership with the East Trenton Collaborative and CityWorks, Inc. from July 10-16, 2011. The kids repair sagging porches, rebuild unsafe steps and wheelchair ramps, paint homes for senior citizens, people with disabilities and low income families in East Trenton. The project is made possible by a contribution from New Jersey Manufacturers to the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program. The project provides on-the-job training, and the kids also develop a sense of community and purpose as they become a part of a team working for a great cause.
CityWorks works with community development corporations. This role varies based on the needs of the non-profit sponsor and the circumstances of project development. For instance, CityWorks may serve as a developer consultant, advising the non-profit’s project management staff, or the corporation may manage the project on a turnkey basis. Where appropriate, CityWorks may become a co-venture partner or develop projects on its own.
CityWorks administers a pool of funds for predevelopment costs, including property options, environmental assessments, architectural, legal and planning costs, and other up-front cash needs. Pre-development funds are supplied primarily from the S.E.E.D fund managed by the New Jersey Community Loan Fund.
