Washington, DC LISC

08/16/2021

If you're around the #PGCounty region, be sure to take part in
CKAR CDC Events's greater Riverdale restaurant tour, Taste of Greater Riverdale! Check out restaurants' authentic flavors that come from Mexico, El Salvador, Nigeria, and beyond, learn more here https://tasteofgreaterriverdale.weebly.com

If you're around the #PGCounty region, be sure to take part in
CKAR CDC Events's greater Riverdale restaurant tour, Taste of Greater Riverdale! Check out restaurants' authentic flavors that come from Mexico, El Salvador, Nigeria, and beyond, learn more here https://tasteofgreaterriverdale.weebly.com

08/11/2021

Here's What's In D.C.'s Budget For 2022 | DCist

As the path to recovery continues, the FY22 #DC budget addresses various challenges across the city & includes $400M for housing over 2 years, funding for homeless services, directs payments for low-income residents, support for #smallbusiness & much more

https://dcist.com/story/21/08/11/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-2022-budget-the-d-c-council-just-passed/

The $17.5 billion budget funnels money to housing, homeless services, and schools, and trims police spending in favor of programs to stem gun violence.

08/11/2021

The 2021 Oramenta Newsome Fellowship has come to an end. We could not be more proud of all the fellows accomplished over the last 10 weeks.

In addition to the work they did with their induvial nonprofit partners, each of the fellows worked together, conducting a deep dive on the DC businesses ecosystem and created three policy recommendations to address the needs of #smallbusinesses in #DC and increase accessibility to the various resources DC offers, with a focus on businesses owned by people of color.

Check out the paper here:https://www.lisc.org/media/filer_public/98/11/98114f4b-1ae3-4200-8e8e-efd83d7c71b9/final_policy_paper_2021_oramenta_newsome_fellowship.pdf

The 2021 Oramenta Newsome Fellowship has come to an end. We could not be more proud of all the fellows accomplished over the last 10 weeks.

In addition to the work they did with their induvial nonprofit partners, each of the fellows worked together, conducting a deep dive on the DC businesses ecosystem and created three policy recommendations to address the needs of #smallbusinesses in #DC and increase accessibility to the various resources DC offers, with a focus on businesses owned by people of color.

Check out the paper here:https://www.lisc.org/media/filer_public/98/11/98114f4b-1ae3-4200-8e8e-efd83d7c71b9/final_policy_paper_2021_oramenta_newsome_fellowship.pdf

07/23/2021

MLK Gateway is coming along & was a great site to see! LISC helped support The Menkiti Group with the project. Once complete, the 44,000 SF commercial development in #Anacostia will add new energy & opportunities, bringing retail, banking & tech all into one space

07/21/2021

The Naomi & Nehemiah Cohen Foundation's Long Standing Commitment to Equity & Tackling The Challenges of 2020 and Beyond | LISC Washington, DC

For over 60 years, the Naomi and Nehemiah Cohen Foundation supported initiatives ranging from civic engagement to addressing health gaps in #DC.

LISC is grateful for their partnership, and is proud to have Alison McWilliams, Executive Director of the Naomi and Nehemiah Foundation, serve as a member of our Local Advisory Committee.

Alison's expertise helped LISC navigate the instability caused by the pandemic and ensure we meet the moment.

Learn more here: https://www.lisc.org/dc/regional-stories/funder-spotlight-naomi-nehemiah-cohen-foundation/

When COVID-19 struck in March of 2020, LISC turned to its long-standing relationships with nonprofit organizations, foundations, and community leaders, all of whom were standing up to the challenge.

07/19/2021

We had a wonderful walking tour around #Anacostia with the Newsome Fellows last week!

Thank you to our partners for letting us stop by, giving us all an opportunity to learn about the neighborhood's deep history, experience the rich culture and see the many projects taking shape throughout the neighborhood.

Special thank you to Project Create , Ron Moten of Check It Enterprises, Anacostia Business Improvement District!

Learn more about each of the fellows here: https://www.lisc.org/dc/what-we-do/oramenta-f-newsome-fellowship/summer-2021-fellowship/?edit_off=true

07/16/2021

Construction is underway! LISC swung by Park 27, a mixed income condominium development in #DC’s Ward 7. LISC is supporting Neighborhood Development Company (NDC) with this project, which is forging a pathway for #affordablehomeownership and wealth building within in the community. We can’t wait to come back for the ribbon cutting!

07/16/2021

Yesterday, we celebrated the ground breaking of Reunion Square! LISC helped support Four Points LLC with this project, a 1.5M sq ft mixed-use development that will be the future site of DC Health, additionally it will offer #affordablehousing for seniors, 950,000 sq ft of office space, and 130,000 sq ft of neighborhood serving retail space to support #smallbusiness growth and bring more commercial revitalization in #DC’s Ward 8.

07/14/2021

Today was an exceptionally powerful “ground opening” ceremony, an intentional practice to celebrate the start of construction of the The Well at Oxon Run, an innovative urban farm and wellness space located in Ward 8.

This will not only serve as a communal space, but will also be a place for residents to access fresh fruits and vegetables.

This was all made possible through cross partnerships between DC Greens, DC Department of Parks and Recreation, The Green Scheme, Friends of Oxon Run, Soul of the City and most importantly, the community of Ward 8.

LISC DC and LISC Community of Safety and Justice is proud to partner with these organizations as they continue to flourish, cultivate new opportunities for Ward 8 residents, and amplify the culture of DC through their work bringing a unique spin to community development.

07/13/2021

In Anacostia, the nonprofit Recovery Cafe D.C. will own a new affordable development. Backers see it as a model for others. - Washington Business Journal

Recovery Café DC is developing a brand new headquarters located in Anacostia, with 48 units of housing above it. LISC is supporting this project, which fosters a healing recovery community, provides much needed affordable housing. Additionally, Recovery Café owns the building, which enables them to stay in place for many years to come.

https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2021/07/12/anacostia-recovery-cafe-ownership.html?ana=TRUEANTHEMTWT_WA&csrc=6398&taid=60ec7771fdc7d300011ff7a3&utm_campaign=trueAnthem%3A+Trending+Content&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=twitter

A new affordable development in Anacostia is putting a nonprofit in the driver's seat. Recovery Cafe D.C. will get a new headquarters and maintain ownership of a new building, a unique arrangement for developers in the city.

06/30/2021

The Oramenta Newsome Community Development Fellowship is underway! 7 fellows are working with 6 nonprofits on initiatives to address the needs of #smallbusinesses in #DC, forging pathways for equitable recovery.

The fellowship was developed in Oramenta Newsome’s honor, who served as Executive Director of LISC DC for nearly 25 years. She dedicated decades to making Washington, DC an inclusive, community-driven, and equitable city that benefited neighborhood residents. With this fellowship, we are creating a lasting legacy and honoring Oramenta’s commitment to community development.

Learn about each of the fellows and nonprofit partners here: https://www.lisc.org/dc/what-we-do/oramenta-f-newsome-fellowship/summer-2021-fellowship/?edit_off=true

The Oramenta Newsome Community Development Fellowship is underway! 7 fellows are working with 6 nonprofits on initiatives to address the needs of #smallbusinesses in #DC, forging pathways for equitable recovery.

The fellowship was developed in Oramenta Newsome’s honor, who served as Executive Director of LISC DC for nearly 25 years. She dedicated decades to making Washington, DC an inclusive, community-driven, and equitable city that benefited neighborhood residents. With this fellowship, we are creating a lasting legacy and honoring Oramenta’s commitment to community development.

Learn about each of the fellows and nonprofit partners here: https://www.lisc.org/dc/what-we-do/oramenta-f-newsome-fellowship/summer-2021-fellowship/?edit_off=true

06/24/2021

Newly Opened DC Black Box Theater Fosters Diversity in Dance

We love to see it! The world is slowly opening back up and The Dance Institute of Washington has unveiled their new Black Box Theatre. LISC supported this project, which seeks to support students from underserved communities in DC, offer affordable dance lessons, and empower youth by nurturing and fostering opportunities for creative expressions

https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/newly-opened-dc-black-box-theater-fosters-diversity-in-dance/2707613/

The Dance Institute of Washington recently unveiled a new black box theater inside their studios. The dance school’s mission is to provide affordable lessons and performing opportunities to dancers in D.C. and increase diversity in the dance industry overall. News4’s Aimee Cho reports.

06/23/2021

Investing in Climate Action | Local Initiatives Support Corporation

Pictured below is Oxford Manor housing located in Anacostia. LISC supported the installation of solar panels 12 apartments buildings, bringing green energy serving 2,000+ units, as well as units developed for affordable housing.

The United Nations cites that climate change is the biggest threat to equitable development, which disproportionately impacts lower-wealth and communities of color - this is why LISC is committed to working with partners all across the city further equitable development that features green energy solutions.

This a matter of climate and racial justice that will greatly impact generations of the future ensuring that vulnerable communities are not left behind is essential.

https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/investing-climate-action/

As part of an ongoing blog series, LISC’s Anna Smukowski looks at the way LISC is advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a range of activities supported by LISC Impact Notes, including investments that support climate solutions.

06/22/2021

Senate committee holds hearing on D.C. statehood bill on Tuesday

Today is the day! The Senate hearing on #DCStatehood is currently underway. Full voting rights & representation for the 700,000+, mostly Black & Brown #DC residents, is long overdue. This is a matter of racial justice, equity, it's time to end this practice that has denied DC residents full access to participate in our democracy.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-statehood-senate-hearing/2021/06/22/b5fa451e-d34e-11eb-ae54-515e2f63d37d_story.html?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=wp_local

Former senator Joe Lieberman, D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser and others are scheduled to speak.

06/19/2021

This is what equity looks like.

@_ONEDC's Black Workers & Wellness Center is owned by the community and led by the community - AND is owned debt free! This center will continue to be safe space and pillar for Black residents for years to come; working in tandem with the #DC community to empower them and ensure they shape their own futures and communities. #JuneTeenth2021

06/19/2021

To commemorate #JuneTeenth2021 , today we celebrate the opening of ONE DC's Black Workers & Wellness Center! LISC proudly supported this project, which is a community-owned space in #Anacostia working on racial and economic justice through education, the arts and worker-owned solutions

06/16/2021

Yesterday, Vice President, Kamala Harris, announced $1.25B in funding for CDFI's & we're grateful Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is one of the awardees.

#CDFI's not only support #smallbusinesses and increase access to housing and capital; their strength lies in empowering people to chart their own course and build resilient communities for generations to come.

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2021/06/16/Vice-President-Kamala-Harris-announces-125-billion-for-small-businesses/9651623813948/

06/16/2021

Amazon Puts $125 Million Into Affordable Housing On Metro Land | DCist

Amazon & WMATA are partnering up to develop and preserve affordable housing in the #DC region. This decision comes as a result of Amazon's new HQ2 located in Crystal City, VA. With new developments, there is always a risk of displacement, which is why affordable housing is necessary to ensure resident can stay in place.

Our executive director, Ramon Jacobson, spoke with the @DCist stating that "Amazon's investment will provide much-needed gap financing for projects that might otherwise take longer to get off the ground"

https://dcist.com/story/21/06/16/amazon-to-provide-125-million-to-fund-affordable-housing-on-metro-land/

Amazon says the money will build and preserve around 1,000 homes for local residents earning less than $103,000 per year.

06/11/2021

Yesterday, we celebrated the opening of Oramenta Gardens - bringing both, homeownership opportunities and green energy to Anacostia.

LISC supported @manna_inc with the development of these homes, which were named in honor of LISC DC’s late executive director, Oramenta Newsome.

Founder of MANNA, Rev. Jim Dickerson, shared words of remembrance and honor of Oramenta, who dedicated more than 20 years to making #DC a more equitable city for all residents to prosper, be empowered, raise a family, and build a legacy.

With the development of homes and projects such as Oramenta Gardens, that legacy and commitment to equitable community development continues on, forging pathways and opportunities for DC residents to stay in their communities, and build wealth.

06/10/2021

Today, we celebrate the completion of Oramenta Gardens with a ribbon cutting ceremony!

Oramenta Gardens brings both #greenenergy & #affordablehomeownership opportunities to residents in #Anacostia, where affordable housing is critically needed.

LISC proudly supported MANNA, Inc. with the development of this project and is named in honor of LISC DC's late Executive Director.

The Oramenta Gardens not only creates an opportunity for homeownership, but also forges a path for families in #DC's Ward 8 to build generational wealth, creating a more equitable and prosperous community for all.

06/09/2021

As part of LISC's #RESILIENTTOGETHER initiative,
@MahoganyBooks published a series of essays written by Black #DC authors covering a wide range of topics including mental heath, family and identity; channeling their words as a source of empowerment and healing.

https://blackbooksmatter.com/tag/from-the-writers-perspective/

As part of LISC's #RESILIENTTOGETHER initiative,
@MahoganyBooks published a series of essays written by Black #DC authors covering a wide range of topics including mental heath, family and identity; channeling their words as a source of empowerment and healing.

https://blackbooksmatter.com/tag/from-the-writers-perspective/

06/08/2021

DC SAFE's SAFE Space broke ground today! LISC helped support this project and upon completion, the building will house 750 survivors and families each year - doubling their capacity, and include a breadth of important resources such as counseling and a play area for children.

Domestic violence, homelessness, and economic advancements are intricately connected, making this a vital resource DC residents forging a pathway for equitable access and recovery, and supporting vulnerable DC residents.

DC SAFE's SAFE Space broke ground today! LISC helped support this project and upon completion, the building will house 750 survivors and families each year - doubling their capacity, and include a breadth of important resources such as counseling and a play area for children.

Domestic violence, homelessness, and economic advancements are intricately connected, making this a vital resource DC residents forging a pathway for equitable access and recovery, and supporting vulnerable DC residents.