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Abstract
This research examines individual development account (IDA) programs as part of a broader community development strategy for low-income/low-wealth communities, particularly communities of color. Through a review of multiple literatures and detailed case studies, we explore the potential of explicitly creating a community-based, family-centered development account program as a step toward a comprehensive community asset building approach in low-income urban neighborhoods. From the perspective of IDA practitioners, such an approach provides program participants with local support networks and access to additional services. From the perspective of grassroots community organizers, such an approach provides tangible benefits to low-income residents of their neighborhoods. The likelihood of success may depend on the availability of local resources to build areas of strength and reduce vulnerabilities, but there are examples where a family-centered, community-based asset building approach seems to thrive.
We gratefully acknowledge the mentorship of Michael Sherraden and Margaret Sherraden in the development of this work and the funding provided by the Danforth Foundation. Special thanks to Prema Thirupathy Smith, Gena Gunn, Karen Edwards and Lorlene Hoyt for your assistance in this research project as well as the staff of CAMCO, Lawrence CommunityWorks, and Christian Community Services Incorporated. We appreciate the comments of Barry Checkoway and Edward Scanlon, as well as anonymous reviewers.