CW/NE Collaborative – Pipeline Project

The Neighborhood Jobs Pipeline

One of the most important building blocks for a sustainable community is the ability for individuals to sustain their families through productive employment.

The Central Woodward/North End Collaborative (“Collaborative”), of which CDC is an active member, is focused on creating sustainable neighborhoods of choice filled with a variety of housing options, economic opportunity and a beautiful, safe environment to live, work and play, in the center of the City of Detroit One of the most important building blocks for a sustainable community is the ability for individuals to sustain their families through productive employment. Currently there is a clear disconnect between residents of the Central Woodward/North End target area and employment opportunities both within and around the area. Even CW/NE residents with the training and skills necessary to be good candidates for available job openings are frequently not aware of and/or considered for those job openings.

The Neighborhood Jobs Pipeline is a new model of workforce development service delivery. It leverages local neighborhood support services and community based organizations to create a place‐based approach designed to be replicable in other areas. The initial pilot phase of the Pipeline proposes two broad initial strategies:

• First, developing a targeted set of employers who will work with the Pipeline to deepen their local hiring strategies. In the first year, the pipeline anticipates placing 80 – 100 residents in jobs with local employers and preparing many others.
• Second, developing networks and clear pathways for local residents in the Centers for Working Families in the CW/NE area, to link them more effectively to local and regional job opportunities.

The benefits of this place‐based Pipeline approach go beyond providing better results for residents searching for jobs. The Pipeline will also

• deliver a significant social return to the CW/NE community, increasing the stability and sustainability of both businesses and families in the target area
• clearly articulate the value proposition for local businesses, including:
• reduction of human resources costs
• better connection to employees who have been vetted and demonstrated ready to work
• development of local resident champions who frequent, promote and otherwise support local business’ and job providers’ interests
• growth of goodwill and partnership with local organizations
• public recognition and positive publicity