The Community Outreach Partnership Center (COPC) of the
University of Texas - Pan American calls for the mobilization of
University resources to act as a catalyst for economic and
community development in South Texas' substandard, rural
communities. Through a multi-disciplinary approach, involving
various University departments, the COPC has developed model
partnership programs for enhancing sustainable economic and
community development in colonias and rural areas.
The COPC supports collaborative efforts among federal, state
and local agencies, academic institutions and non-profit
organizations serving colonias.
COPC efforts were launched in 1994 with funds from the U. S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)' Office of
University Partnership initiative. Since then, a number of
partnerships have been developed with private and public
agencies to expand the original COPC model and reach out to new
target areas. Today, as a result of the commitment from UTPA
President, Dr. Miguel Nevarez, to better address the public
service component of the University, COPC is a permanent
component of the University's Office of Center Operations and
Community Services (CoSERVE).
Currently, the COPC is increasing affordable housing
opportunities for low-income families in the rural areas of
Hidalgo County through an innovative collaborative known as
Project HOPE (Homeownership Partnership and Empowerment).
In addition, the COPC houses the National Colonia
Clearinghouse, a collection of reports and studies on the "colonias." |
