Programs
Houston LISC operates three major programs:
Community Capacity Building Programs
LISC provides community capacity building assistance in a number of ways. The Sustainable Communities Pilot Program is Houston LISC's major capacity building initiatives at the present time. Recently, Houston LISC has been selected as an expansion site for the Financial Opportunity Centers program which bundles services to help families increase their economic stability. The LISC AmeriCorps is part of a network of national service programs administered by the Corporation for National & Community Service (CNS). The LISC AmeriCorps program is designed to enable community development corporations (CDCs) to undertake projects they otherwise would not because of staff limitations. In addition, the program provides AmeriCorps members with valuable community service experience, training, and employment skills.
Project Development and Funding
Houston LISC provides grants, recoverable grants and loans to community development corporations (CDCs) for neighborhood redevelopment such as single-family homes, multi-family rental housing and commercial centers. Projects may be new construction or rehab. LISC funds, in many instances, are matched with other private and/or government funds to complete a projects.
Technical assistance is about problem solving and providing guidance in project development and capacity building. Houston LISC administers a program to provide project related technical assistance that is intended to support predevelopment and capacity building opportunities leading to affordable housing. Technical assistance begins with LISC staff evaluating the merits of a project, exploring alternatives, and, just as important, evaluating an organization's capacity to own, develop, and/or sponsor HOME and other affordable housing projects.