THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 3, 1994 TAG: 9411010124
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS
SOURCE: MIKE KNEPLER
LENGTH: Medium: 65 lines
They called it the Governor's Conference on Housing. But Norfolk neighborhoods never were too far from the central discussions.
A Norfolk neighborhood leader, Andrea Clark of Diggs Town, even had the honor of introducing Gov. George Allen from the main podium during this statewide meeting in Richmond last week.
Clark, president of the Diggs Town Resident Management Corp., also received a Governor's Achievement Award for promoting the spirit of entrepreneurship, self-reliance and empowerment in her neighborhood.
``Love of country is something that starts in the home,'' Clark said. ``As someone who tries to be an example in the community, I have to take it upon myself to do something.''
Besides leading the tenant group for five years, Clark has worked to improve Diggs Town through joint efforts with city agencies such as the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Social Services and the Police Department.
``The award would not have happened had the citizens of Norfolk and the leadership of Norfolk not been open to it,'' Clark said. ``It took much patience, much endurance and much faith.''
But Clark's endeavors underscores another valuable characteristic, a continuing willingness to learn. That's why she attended the Virginia housing conference.
At least another dozen Norfolk neighborhood leaders were among the 800 conferees. They shared Clark's spirit.
Nelson and Earlean White of Park Place also received recognition from the podium, although not in formal fashion.
Robert L. Woodson, founder and president of the nonprofit National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise, was keynote speaker last Wednesday. As he recited a list of dignitaries attending the conference, Woodson paused to welcome the Whites.
In the mid-1980s, Woodson met the Whites and helped them organize some black inner-city parents who wanted Norfolk to end cross-town busing and return to neighborhood elementary schools.
Now the Whites are helping to revitalize their Park Place community.
``Neighborhood people need to get in the know. I've learned a lot of stuff that's going to help me deliver affordable housing,'' Nelson White said of his participation in the conference. ``Until now, I've been having a lot of trouble.''
By attending the conference, White said, he also developed contacts with state officials, lawyers and bankers who may be able to help Park Place.
He also got ideas from a nonprofit community group in Portsmouth, which made a presentation on its program.
Mary and Walter Combre will share the information they learned in Richmond with fellow members of the Park Place Civic League.
For example, Mary Combre toured the Cary 2000 project which featured renovation of once-abandoned apartments. ``They were gorgeous,'' she said. ``I know that could work in Park Place.''
Earlean White said she enjoyed hearing success stories from inner-city neighborhoods across Virginia. She wanted even more examples and promised that Park Place will be back to report its accomplishments in a few years.
``We're beginning to network with all the talent out there,'' she said. ``That's what it takes.'' by CNB