LHHA is expanding our support services to our families and the community at large. LHHA will receive development and management fees for the work performed in providing affordable housing opportunities, enough revenue will be generated to provide the capital investment needed for the development of programs that are currently in planning stages. The programs in development are as follows:

 LHHA performs its extensive follow-up with families who have purchased houses through the LHHA Home Owners' Club, established to ensure that our new home buyers have the support needed to maintain their properties.

 "Yon Ede Lot," which is Creole for "Helping Each Other" is a program where families provide services to each other as an exchange for other services rendered, based on a "Time-Dollar" concept.

 In December 1997, LHHA held a dedication ceremony for the latest addition to the Home Owners' Club - The Kathy Haegele Family Center, an large office space that was converted into a resource center to be used by families and children for meetings and workshops. The Kathy Haegele Family Center is currently being used to host our Youth Art Program (see next line item). The Kathy Haegele Family Center is equipped with two computers, a television and VCR, and a small collection of selected books and videos on Haitian history, culture and general home maintenance.

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 LHHA is planning to develop a Comprehensive Youth Program (CYP). The purpose of this program is to foster a stronger sense of individual, community and cultural identity for Little Haiti's younger population. Special groups and structured activities will offer safe alternatives to possible involvement in crime, gangs and drug use. Youth participants will come from our Home Owners' Club families, the families on our waiting list of qualified home buyers, and the families who reside in our multi-family housing projects. LHHA will provide a variety of programs for different age groups: primary and middle school grades (ages 9-14 years old) and secondary school (ages 15-18 years old).

The CYP will incorporate the following:

 Youth Art Program: Designed for the younger members of the Home Owners' Club to provide them with a creative outlet for their expression. Participants created a mural that was showcased at a Stand for Children rally, an event sponsored by Dade County's Children's Services Council. Staff members also worked with interested children to create two large murals to be displayed in the Little Haiti community. This project was funded by Metro-Dade County's Cultural Affairs Council and was administered in collaboration with the Lowe Art Museum of the University of Miami. The enthusiasm that was demonstrated by our young participants confirmed that the project was successful and should be ongoing, and that this pilot program would facilitate a more comprehensive youth program. Plans for the Youth Art Program include creating more community art projects and individual art projects. Participants will create a variety of work, using mediums such as ceramics, painting and sculpture. Plans will also include special visits from artists and craftspeople from within the community.

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 The Youth Art Program would be one component of the CYP. Other programs are planned for the Comprehensive Youth Program: a Community Service Program, Cultural Studies Program, Sports and Recreation Program and an Academic Studies Program.