Problems affecting our impoverished inner city neighborhoods are complex. If community-building in such neighborhoods is to succeed, programs should simultaneously address multiple problems while at the same time strengthen the problem-solving capabilities of its residents. This descriptive case study examined the effectiveness of a comprehensive community-building program designed to rebuild a socially and economically disadvantaged urban community by focusing on the development of human and social capital. The program's strategies, which were consistent with recommendations set forth by the Committee for Economic Development as well as from prominent social scientists, were tailored to address simultaneously the interrelated problems and issues specific to the target community.

The site in which the study was conducted was typical of distressed inner city neighborhoods across our country; plagued with poverty and joblessness, crime and fear, dilapidated run-down buildings, social and family dissolution, and hopelessness and despair. Ninety-two percent of the study participants were Hispanic Americans and Mexican nationals who lived in a 76-unit apartment complex, consisting of 345 adult and juvenile residents.

From December 31, 2005 through December 31, 2006, resident participants actively engaged in community projects and social events and activities and attended local community and neighborhood townhall style meetings on a regular basis. Data gathered from observations during community meetings, from in-depth focus group interviews, and three neighborhood surveys indicated (a) participants possessed greater awareness of the importance of support and cooperation among all members of the community, (b) felt greater attachment to their neighbors, and (c) demonstrated increased knowledge of outside resources that could benefit them individually and collectively. The community-building initiatives linked the public sector, the private sector, and the community to strengthen human and social capital that existed within the neighborhood.