Washington, DC LISC

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.

06/08/2021

Landlords Who Own Few Units Are a Crucial Piece in DC’s Affordable Housing Preservation Puzzle

#DC landlords with fewer housing units are particularly at risk of losing properties as they struggle with financial challenges the pandemic has exacerbated. Check out the article by Peter Tatian, senior fellow at @urbaninstitute & member of LISC DC's Local Advisory Committee (LAC) to learn more.

https://greaterdc.urban.org/blog/landlords-who-own-few-units-are-crucial-piece-dcs-affordable-housing-preservation-puzzle

The housing crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has focused attention on not only renters’ struggles but also the financial challenges of landlords, with landlords who own fewer housing units being particularly at risk. In the District of Columbia, many of these landlords are worried the...

06/03/2021

Today, we celebrate the groundbreaking of The Residences at Kenilworth Park! LISC supported Gragg Cardona Partners with this project, generating 80 new jobs for the neighborhood, and is the first affordable assisted living community in #DC's Ward 7

06/02/2021

D.C. police recruits are learning about Black history, go-go music and half-smokes. Leaders think it will make them better officers.

We need more of this! Brenda Richardson, a #DC native, community leader and LISC partner, gave #DC police recruits a tour of Southeast DC neighborhoods, gaining unique insight of the culture and history of the city. Part of creating a thriving neighborhood, is ensuring that officers connect with residents and understand the unique experiences of the communities they serve.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/dc-police-training-black-history/2021/05/29/a97683a2-b6fc-11eb-a6b1-81296da0339b_story.html

Walking tours, conversations with residents and history lessons are part of effort to help police connect with the community

05/24/2021

Standing in front of Spring Flats, Mayor Bowser announces her commitment to propose $400 million for the Housing Protection Trust Fund over the next 2 budgets, bringing the total to $1B!

LISC provided early stage predevelopment & grant support for the Spring Flats, brining #affordableseniorhousing to #DC residents in the Petworth neighborhood.

Today is a historic day for equitable development in #DC, ensuring we can reach #3600by2025!

Standing in front of Spring Flats, Mayor Bowser announces her commitment to propose $400 million for the Housing Protection Trust Fund over the next 2 budgets, bringing the total to $1B!

LISC provided early stage predevelopment & grant support for the Spring Flats, brining #affordableseniorhousing to #DC residents in the Petworth neighborhood.

Today is a historic day for equitable development in #DC, ensuring we can reach #3600by2025!

05/19/2021

As part the LISC's #RESILIENTTOGTHER initiative, #CongressHeight's Liffs Market partnered with #DC artist, Darius Hill who created the beautiful mural above. It's placed on the side of Liffs Market, honoring the history of the community and depicting symbols of #DC’s historic #GogoMusic (📷 Darius Hill)

As part the LISC's #RESILIENTTOGTHER initiative, #CongressHeight's Liffs Market partnered with #DC artist, Darius Hill who created the beautiful mural above. It's placed on the side of Liffs Market, honoring the history of the community and depicting symbols of #DC’s historic #GogoMusic (📷 Darius Hill)

05/18/2021

LISC DC: A Tribute to Oramenta Newsome

LISC launched the 2nd cohort of the Oramenta Newsome Community Development Fellowship. We are joined by an excellent group of fellows who are working with our nonprofit partners to address the needs of #smallbusinesses in #DC.

Oramenta Newsome served as Executive Director of LISC DC for nearly 25 years. Throughout her life, Oramenta balanced a deeply rooted neighborhood orientation with a national perspective. By continuing to invest in projects and initiatives that help to balance the income disparity and promote equity and inclusion, we are one step closer towards realizing Oramenta's vision for Washington, DC -inclusive, community-driven, and equitable.

With this fellowship, we are creating a lasting legacy and honoring Oramenta's commitment to community development and we can't wait to see what the fellows do! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsiLOOjGvxE

This is a tribute to Oramenta Newsome, the longtime executive director of the Washington, DC office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC DC).

05/12/2021

Bread For The City's New Southeast Center Is 'Like A Big Hug'

#DC's Bread for the City names their new Southeast Center in honor of Michelle Obama LISC supported the development of this center, which will provide various resources to #Anacostia residents, including health care, a job center, and much more!

https://dcist.com/story/21/05/11/bread-for-the-city-southeast-center-michelle-obama/

The Michelle Obama Southeast Center of Bread for the City will serve 20,000 clients.

05/07/2021

Check it out! As part of LISC's #RESILIENTTOGETHER initiative, #DC business, Open Crumb and architectural designer, Nicolette Gordon, are providing delicious meal kits and hosting a virtual cooking class for residents of #Anacostia & the #DC region.

Orders must be placed by 5/12. Share this and learn more here: https://opencrumbdc.com/open-crumb-virtual-cooking-lessons

Check it out! As part of LISC's #RESILIENTTOGETHER initiative, #DC business, Open Crumb and architectural designer, Nicolette Gordon, are providing delicious meal kits and hosting a virtual cooking class for residents of #Anacostia & the #DC region.

Orders must be placed by 5/12. Share this and learn more here: https://opencrumbdc.com/open-crumb-virtual-cooking-lessons

04/30/2021

LISC 2020 Annual Report - Homepage

Due to our long standing partnerships with organizations across the country, LISC responded quickly to last year's challenges by providing resources, empowering communities and investing more than $2 billion in grants, loans and equity in 2020.

Learn more in our new report: http://report.lisc.org/2020-annual-report/homepage/

LISC and our partners rallied like never before to meet the intense challenges of 2020. Our Annual Report tells the story.

04/23/2021

Free Transportation for Covid-19 Vaccinations

Regency and Barwood taxi are offering free rides to and from any #COVID19Vaccine site in #DC and Montgomery County and Prince George's County in Maryland. The drivers will also wait at the site while while folks are getting vaccinated. Share this with your community! Learn more here: https://mailchi.mp/barwoodtaxi/food-delivery-for-call-n-ride-passengers-4709305?e=1b208f72ab

04/22/2021

The debate for #DCStatehood is happening right now on the House floor. Full voting rights and representation for #DC residents is core to a functioning democracy and the empowerment of the communities we serve. We need #DCStatehoodNow

(Photo credit: Alex Dodds)

The debate for #DCStatehood is happening right now on the House floor. Full voting rights and representation for #DC residents is core to a functioning democracy and the empowerment of the communities we serve. We need #DCStatehoodNow

(Photo credit: Alex Dodds)

04/21/2021

The Black community is not a monolith. #DC based writer, Ellie Imani, highlights this beautifully in her essay for MahoganyBooks "Black Books Matter": a series of essays published by Black #DC authors, sharing personal stories of survival and triumph.

This series is part is LISC's #RESILIENTTOGETHER initiative, and through storytelling, the voices of Black authors in DC, their community, and their unique experiences are amplified.

Read it here: https://blackbooksmatter.com/playing-the-rigged-game/

The Black community is not a monolith. #DC based writer, Ellie Imani, highlights this beautifully in her essay for MahoganyBooks "Black Books Matter": a series of essays published by Black #DC authors, sharing personal stories of survival and triumph.

This series is part is LISC's #RESILIENTTOGETHER initiative, and through storytelling, the voices of Black authors in DC, their community, and their unique experiences are amplified.

Read it here: https://blackbooksmatter.com/playing-the-rigged-game/

04/21/2021

Justice for George Floyd | Local Initiatives Support Corporation

While there is still a lot of work to be done across the country, it's important to honor this important and historic moment for our nation. We acknowledge that this is a step in the right direction towards real accountability, transformative change and true justice in our system.

Read the comment letter from LISC Interim President & CEO, Lisa Glover, and the Executive Director of LISC Twin Cities, Peter McLaughlin, making clear the importance of the verdict, and underlining LISC's continued commitment to racial equity and fostering inclusive and thriving neighborhoods. You can read it here: https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/justice-george-floyd/

The historic murder and manslaughter convictions of Derek Chauvin are a welcome signal of justice for George Floyd, for Black communities long victimized by police violence, and for everyone who wants to live in an authentically safe, just and equitable America. The work of building an anti-racist j...

04/16/2021

House committee approves D.C. statehood, setting up likely passage in the full chamber

Today we celebrate #DCEmancipationDay; honoring the long struggle to end slavery for African Americans in #DC. While we've made so much progress over the years, DC residents, which are made up mostly of people of color, are still denied full voting rights and representation in Congress.

This why we continue to advocate for #DCStatehood, which could could soon become a reality, as #HR51 makes it way the House next week for a floor vote. Learn more here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-statehood-markup/2021/04/14/a7478654-9c8e-11eb-8005-bffc3a39f6d3_story.html

Although significant hurdles remain in the Senate, D.C. statehood has become a central issue for Democrats.

04/15/2021

Not Me

As part of LISC's #RESILIENTTOGETHER initiative, MahoganyBooks will publish articles every week written by Black #DC authors in their series "Black Books Matter: From the Writer's Perspective". Through their writing, the authors share their unique lived experiences, lifting up the voices of the Black community. Check out the latest essay by Olu Burrell here: blackbooksmatter.com/not-me/

Not Me FROM THE WRITERS PERSPECTIVE | IDENTITY April 8, 2021 Staff Writer Empowerment Series “Hey! Before you go, do you mind if I ask you a question?” said the interviewer; the irony of the question about a question hung in the air. “Not at all,” I replied. “What was your name BEFORE you ...

04/13/2021

As part of LISC's #RESILIENTTOGETHER initiative, The Fresh Food Factory Farm and Food Hub is exploring the importance of community health, the history, and social and economic disparities regarding access to food for residents in #DC's Ward 8. Check out episode one of their page discussing the culture and food of DC. Don't miss out on the 2nd episode tonight at 7pm highlight food and medicine! https://www.facebook.com/thefreshfoodfactory/

As part of LISC's #RESILIENTTOGETHER initiative, The Fresh Food Factory Farm and Food Hub is exploring the importance of community health, the history, and social and economic disparities regarding access to food for residents in #DC's Ward 8. Check out episode one of their page discussing the culture and food of DC. Don't miss out on the 2nd episode tonight at 7pm highlight food and medicine! https://www.facebook.com/thefreshfoodfactory/

04/08/2021

As part of LISC's #RESILIENTTOGETHER initiative, The Fresh Food Factory Farm and Food Hub will broadcast "Feed Ward 8 Ate"; a series of episodes exploring food, #DC and Black culture, and food as medicine.

Through this project, the Fresh Food Market seeks to uplift the importance of community health by highlighting the social and economic disparities regarding access to food in #DC, and the long term impacts that can have.

Tune in to their Facebook for the live premier is on April 12th at 7:00pm!