Impact of faith based institutions in the urban environment through social and economic development (Maryland, California)

Despite the major changes that the inner city has experienced over the past 30 years, the Black Church has remained relatively constant. The community has transformed in response to the myriad of social, physical and economic challenges it faces. Has the church turned its back on the community it is situated in or has it begun to realize that it must play a significant role in its revitalization, primarily in the rebuilding of the inner city. Are the church's redevelopment efforts for the benefit of the community or the church itself?; In this research project I will review the performance of the Faith-Based community in the areas of housing, education, social services and economic development.; It is the intent of this paper to establish whether the Church is having an impact or if the church's services are simply just reaching the inside of its front doors. The study will also look at three Faith-Based models of operating standards used by the organizations are using as operating standards. The issue of commuter based congregations versus neighborhood based congregations will also be investigated.; The history of the church also be reviewed as well as the tenure in a community.; This work will provide some insight into how the church is impacting the urban environment and if their work is making a difference. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...