The Committee is a nonprofit organization that was founded 14 years ago when the city's fiscal crisis resulted in layoffs of large numbers of city service workers. It focused on helping create new neighborhood and block associations and strengthening the efforts of existing ones. These organizations are geographically based, volunteer-driven, informally run, and multipurpose and focus on solving problems. They have generated physical improvements, neighborhood stabilization, the creation of a sense of community, the provision of social services, and the nurturance of individuals. They have also helped reduce the fear of crime. The committee operates a variety of programs and activities that offer free self-help literature, telephone information and referrals, training, technical assistance, and small cash grants and awards to more than 7,000 grassroots volunteer groups. Other cities wanting to help organize and support neighborhood volunteer groups should bring together local leaders, form a permanent structure, build a local funding base, and develop and maintain materials and services. Photographs, case examples, chapter reference notes, and 55 references.