San Diego, CA
Established in 1990
Achievements by the Numbers:
(By LISC and Affiliates since inception)- 5,438 homes and apartments
- 919,504 square feet of commercial space
- $186.6 million total investment
- $778 million leveraged
- Download San Diego LISC Program Summary (PDF, 634 KB)
- View photo gallery
- Learn more at: www.lisc.org/san_diego
Profile:
San Diego LISC invests in revitalizing low-income neighborhoods, including the implementation of Neighborhoods First in two neighborhoods – Colina Park/City Heights and Logan Heights/Memorial. Our most substantive Neighborhoods First project was the launch of two Financial Opportunity Centers connecting neighborhood residents to broader city-and county-level resources and opportunities. In Colina Park, residents were able to benefit from direct employer hiring and transportation access through International Rescue Committee’s “Center for Financial Opportunity.” IRC’s microfinance program also received support, which led to the creation and expansion of 29 refugee-owned businesses. In Greater Logan Heights, three new workforce development programs were funded allowing more than 80 residents and youth to obtain career certification or training.
In order to improve access to education, two full-time LISC AmeriCorps members are working at Crawford High School to improve educational outcomes for students. One member began working to develop youth leadership programs relating to the school’s community garden program, while the other member is working to enhance student academic skills through a Sports Plus incentive program. More than 400 students are benefitting from access to rigorous educational opportunities. In 2010, LISC completed a pilot program at three public schools in Neighborhoods First communities aimed in part at combating food insecurity by increasing food stamp participation rates through on-site counseling. Four LISC AmeriCorps members provided school-based counseling to help families enroll in income supports and built relationships with community agencies to provide various programs and services at the schools. More than 720 families were counseled on benefits programs and ultimately received a combined $50,000 in benefits on a monthly basis as a result.