Research by Author & Topic

Publications by Carol J. De Vita on Cities and Metropolitan Regions

This volume of essays presents the thoughts of leading researchers and policy experts regarding models and policies that can help guide the rebuilding efforts in the Gulf Coast region. The essays focus on six issue areas: affordable housing; services for children and families; strengthening the arts and culture community; public and environmental health concerns; rebuilding financial assets; and the role of nonprofits in preparing for the next disaster. Together, the essays lay an important foundation for developing action plans to address the underlying issues of poverty, inequality, and weak social infrastructures that have been persistent in the region for decades.

Few technologies have spread as quickly, or become so widely used, as computers and the Internet. However, there are significant disparities in ownership and use by age, race and economic status. To address these disparities, a wide variety of local agencies have risen to the challenge of providing residents with access to information technology. To gain a clearer understanding of the availability and use of information technology in local communities, the Urban Institute conducted a study of public computer access in three areas of the District of Columbia. This study highlights the need for targeted program investment, coordinated training and services, and alternative staffing strategies for technology support. A set of recommendations are listed for service providers, government, and philanthropy, for improving public access computing in the District of Columbia.

We know we have got a lot of churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, but just how much faith-based community outreach is there? Many religious groups provide soup kitchens and emergency provisions, shelter and clothing. Others, however, see a need to evolve to fit the growing needs of the Metro area communities, to get involved in community development, and create new infrastructure to support that development.

Improving local neighborhoods used to mean identifying and combating local problems. Today, a new approach is being used by a number of foundations, public officials and activists to build the capacity of local communities. Based on asset-building theory, these models target the institutional strengths of local areas to promote the economic and social viability of the community. Because nonprofit and community-based groups are often viewed as neighborhood assets, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation asked the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy (CNP) at the Urban Institute to analyze the size, scope and spatial dimensions of the nonprofit sector in Summit County, Ohio, with special attention to the central city of Akron.

Improving local neighborhoods used to mean identifying and combating local problems. Today, a new approach is being used by a number of foundations, public officials and activists to build the capacity of local communities. Based on asset-building theory, these models target the institutional strengths of local areas to promote the economic and social viability of the community. Because nonprofit and community-based groups are often viewed as neighborhood assets, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation asked the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy (CNP) at the Urban Institute to analyze the size, scope and spatial dimensions of the nonprofit sector in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Improving local neighborhoods used to mean identifying and combating local problems. Today, a new approach is being used by a number of foundations, public officials and activists to build the capacity of local communities. Based on asset-building theory, these models target the institutional strengths of local areas to promote the economic and social viability of the community. Because nonprofit and community-based groups are often viewed as neighborhood assets, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation asked the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy (CNP) at the Urban Institute to analyze the size, scope and spatial dimensions of the nonprofit sector in Lake County, Indiana, with special attention to the central city of Gary.

The purpose of the study was to construct a methodology to identify and describe community organizations and networks that strengthen families and children in three low-income neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. The study involved developing tools to analyze the size, scope, and structure of community organizations that foster local leadership and leverage resources on behalf of families and children. A spatial analysis was undertaken to understand the relationship between the nonprofit infrastructure and socioeconomic characteristics of the studied neighborhoods. Also included is a description of community-based groups and networks that enhance the well-being of families and children.

the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy contracted with the Greater Washington Research Center to include four questions in its April 1997 consumer survey of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area that pertain to how individuals interact with religious congregations. Specifically, survey respondents were asked if they attend religious services, donate money, volunteer their time, or use social services offered by congregations. The survey also contained information on respondents' race, annual household income, and place of residence.