LISC Puget Sound

The cancellation of HUD’s Section 4 grants is devastating to our community partners, and it will directly impact local residents who count on these nonprofits to develop affordable housing, invest in community revitalization, and provide family income and wealth-building programs that help people build a strong financial future. Since 1993, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has used HUD Section 4 funds to fuel more than 1,400 nonprofit community development organizations in 349 metro and rural areas. These grants have supported over $16.1 billion in real estate investments and more than 87,000 affordable homes. At a time when the nation is facing a severe housing shortage, we can’t afford to lose vital tools that help us address these worsening gaps. At LISC, we’re appealing?this cancellation and urging others to speak out as well. Join us - your organization can sign our letter to Congress to help safeguard this crucial community funding.?Please sign by March 19:?https://lnkd.in/eWh-APVJ

HUD’s recent cancellation of Section 4 local capacity building grants is a severe blow to the nation’s infrastructure of #affordablehousing and, if sustained, will damage local economies for years to come. For over 30 years, LISC has leveraged Section 4 resources to help local organizations develop affordable housing, support local businesses, and create economic opportunities. These funds have empowered nonprofits to upgrade their operations, expand their reach, and foster long-term growth in both urban and rural areas. We’re appealing this cancellation and urging others to speak out as well. Your organization can join our letter to Congress to help protect this essential funding for communities. Please sign by March 19: https://lnkd.in/eHR_3-6m

?? We Want to Hear from You! Exploring Affordable Student Housing in Washington ?? LISC Puget Sound is excited to partner with the?Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC)?to explore affordable student housing solutions! If you’re a?student at a Washington community or technical college, work directly with students, or partner with colleges to support student success—your insights are crucial. Your input will shape the?Low-Income Student Housing Study, influencing future investments, housing development, and policy changes to better support students’ housing stability. Together with?ECOnorthwest, BORA Architects, and DCW Cost & Construction Management, we’re conducting a?statewide study?to understand the housing challenges students face across Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges. This work combines?data analysis, financial modeling, architectural design, and community engagement?to assess the need and feasibility of new student housing options. A key part of this effort is?hearing directly from the people who support students every day—which is where you come in! Let’s work together to ensure every student has a stable place to call home. Take the Survey Here:?https://lnkd.in/g5Xbb_yP #AffordableHousing #StudentSuccess #HigherEd #LISC #CommunityColleges

Our very own Kandis Williams, executive director of LISC Cleveland, is featured in a Crain's Cleveland Business article exploring a new LISC heirs’ property initiative, which provides families with estate planning, legal support and financial counseling that can help clear up clouded property titles and preserve homes for future generations. ? Many thanks to the U.S. Bank Foundation Opportunity Fund for supporting this important work in Cleveland and Cincinnati. Learn more:?https://lnkd.in/eDbCyJhS

We're Hiring: AmeriCorps VISTA - Economic Opportunity Coordinator! Passionate about expanding access to jobs and housing? Join LISC Puget Sound in driving economic opportunity and equity across the region! In this AmeriCorps VISTA role, you'll support workforce development and affordable housing initiatives to help communities thrive. ?? What You’ll Do: - Support workforce development strategies that connect individuals to family-wage jobs - Assist nonprofit developers & housing organizations in expanding affordable housing - Engage communities through outreach, training, and resource development - Organize program resources and funding opportunities Facilitate community meetings, workshops, and events ?? Skills We’re Looking For: - Community Engagement & Organization - Interest in Economic Justice and Economic Mobility - Public Speaking, Writing, & Communications - Leadership & Nonprofit Management ?? Program Benefits: Training, Stipend, Health Coverage, Education Award or End-of-Service Stipend, Bus Pass, and More! ?? Location: Puget Sound (Ability to travel to multiple sites; vehicle recommended) Make an impact—apply today! Link: https://lnkd.in/g8imGqcn #AmeriCorps #Hiring #NonprofitJobs #Poverty #EconomicJustice #WorkforceDevelopment #AffordableHousing #PugetSound

Happy #BlackHistoryMonth! ?? This month—and every day—we recognize the innovation, influence, and lasting contributions of Black Americans who have shaped our communities and the nation. Join us in celebrating this rich legacy and powerful impact.

Friends, As we close out January, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the weight of this moment. The challenges are real—new policies and proposals threaten to set back progress, uncertainty looms over what’s next, and the work of fighting for housing, economic, and racial justice is exhausting. Even the most relentless optimists among us have struggled to find the words to inspire hope. But hope isn’t found in a single moment or a single person—it’s built through our collective action, our shared commitment, and our unwavering belief that a better future is possible. Thank you for all that you do. Every day, we see your dedication to strengthening communities, expanding opportunities, and driving meaningful change. The?LISC Puget Sound team?is proud to be in this work with you, and we look forward to deepening our collaboration, forging new partnerships, and continuing to make an impact together. There are critical opportunities ahead to push for policies and investments that align with our shared vision: ???Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan?– We must advocate for a bold vision that prioritizes housing, equity, and sustainability.?Join the One Seattle for All rally on February 5?and share your voice at City Hall. ???February 11 Special Election?– Ballot measures across 32 counties will impact school funding, housing, and worker protections.?Check your voter registration and make sure your voice is heard. ???State Legislative Session?– Rent stabilization, affordable housing funding, and transit-oriented development are on the table. Your advocacy—emails, calls, and meetings—will help shape the outcomes.?Track bills and contact your legislators and sign up for action alerts from advocacy groups like?Housing Development Consortium of Seattle - King County,?Futurewise, and the?Washington Low Income Housing Alliance?to stay engaged. We don’t have to navigate this moment alone. Let’s continue to show up for each other—to provide support, to strategize, and to take action. Every conversation, every investment, every vote, every act of advocacy moves us forward. We are in this together. When we show up, when we speak out, when we organize—we build power. And that power is what will shape the future we believe in. Take a deep breath. Find moments of joy. Take care of yourself and each other. We need your voice, your brilliance, and your action. With appreciation, ~Lauren Find links here: https://lnkd.in/g7UPT_wb

Are you a Native business owner or consultant working in or serving Seattle customers and clients? Take a survey to help design and advocate for an Indigenous Economic Development Center (IEDC). The center will support Native-owned businesses with programs and offices or workspaces. Go to: bit.ly/ndnEDC

Check it out! We've partnered with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop a comprehensive toolkit to help HUD grantees and community developers support faith-based organizations in building and preserving affordable housing in their communities. Featuring case studies from across the country, the toolkit provides best practices on partnership opportunities, policy considerations, and financing strategies to help faith-based organizations make a meaningful impact on local housing goals. Learn more + download it here: https://lnkd.in/d6UUJgcw

LISC Jacksonville is thrilled to launch the Emerging Developer Program. This initiative is designed to strengthen and further diversify the affordable housing landscape in the city, equipping communities with the skills, tools, and resources they need to succeed. Through a mix of mentorship, technical assistance, and financial support, we’re fostering a pipeline of leaders ready to shape the future of Jacksonville’s neighborhoods. Read more about this exciting program and the impact it will have on our city: https://lnkd.in/egherKtx Dr. Irvin PeDro Cohen #EquitableDevelopment #EmergingDevelopers #InclusiveGrowth #LISCImpact #LISCLending