Building a Multi-Service Center to Consolidate Program Sites and
                    Eliminate Leasing Costs


                    I.   TOPIC          Capital Campaign
                    
II.    LOCATION  Washington County, Oregon

                    III. SUBJECT        Building a Multi-Service Center to
                    Consolidate Program Sites and Eliminate Leasing Costs
                    
IV.    SUMMARY

     Programs run by the Community Action Organization (CAO) of Hillsboro, Oregon, were
     housed in overcrowded, leased facilities that were inefficient and uncomfortable.
     Operational costs were high due to leasing multiple sites, transportation between sites,
     and because the buildings were not energy efficient. These factors created limitations that
     interfered with the work of the agency. In 1993, CAO proposed buying land and building
     a new, 21,400 square foot, Multi-Service Center to house all of its programs. The total
     projected cost of project development, buying land, and construction of the facility was
     $3.6 million. CAO received Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards, sold
     two pieces of property, and developed plans for a Capital Campaign to raise the necessary
     funds. The Capital Campaign raised $763,000 in its first year, and construction of the
     new CAA facility was completed in July 1995.
     
V.     SUCCESSFUL PRACTICE

     Developed an annual Capital Campaign to raise money for a new Multi-Service Center
     that would consolidate all agency programs at one site, eliminate the need to lease
     program space, and save on operational costs.
     
VI.    CONTACT

     Jerralynn Ness, Executive Director
     Community Action Organization
     (A Community Action Agency)
     1001 SW Baseline
     Hillsboro, Oregon 97123
     503-648-6646
     FAX: 503-648-4175
     VII.   CASE STUDY

     The Problem: Programs run by the Community Action Organization (CAO) of
     Hillsboro, Oregon, were housed in overcrowded, leased facilities that were inefficient and
     uncomfortable. Operational costs were high due to leasing multiple sites, transportation
     between sites, and because the buildings were not energy efficient. These factors created
     limitations that interfered with the work of the agency.
     
     The Approach Adopted: In 1993, CAO recognized that it was losing money and not
     operating to its fullest potential by leasing space for its programs. Therefore, CAO
     proposed buying land and building a new, 21,400 square foot, Multi-Service Center to
     house all of its programs. The total projected cost of project development, buying land,
     and construction of the facility was $3.6 million.
     
     How They Implemented The Approach: CAO received Community Development
     Block Grant (CDBG) awards totaling $1,207,000. CAO also sold two pieces of property
     for $315,000. The agency then developed plans for a Capital Campaign to raise the
     balance of funds (approximately $2.1 million).
     
     CAO publicized its need for a new facility to the community and launched a variety of
     fundraising activities under its Capital Campaign, including the sale of personalized
     bricks for the center, sponsoring the planting of trees, and a five-kilometer run.
     
     Results: The Capital Campaign raised $763,000 in its first year, and construction of the
     new CAA facility was completed in July 1995.
     
     CAO's Multi-Service Center consolidates the agency's programs and services from five
     sites under one roof. The two-story Multi-Service Center includes a reception area,
     confidential space for meeting with clients, a Family Resource Center to provide self-help
     tools, program offices, meeting rooms, volunteer work areas, and administrative offices.
     The Center also houses CAO's Child Development Center, which includes five
     classrooms for Head Start and child care, a health center, a teachers' planning room, and
     a library. The Center's kitchen prepares up to 2,000 meals per day for Head Start centers
     around the county. The Multi-Service Center also has covered and open play areas for
     children.
     
     The new facility provides for efficient and cost effective delivery of services and will
     result in annual cost savings of $100,000.
     
VIII.  PROGRAM SPIN-OFFS

     The Capital Campaign was so successful in raising funds for the new CAA facility that
     the agency has instituted the Capital Campaign as an annual effort.
     IX.    KEY WORDS

     Capital Campaign
     Community Action Agency
     Community Development Block Grant
     Construction
     Fundraising
     Leases
     


ref:   hillsbor.doc