Although San Diego is primarily known for its sunny weather and mild personality, “America’s Finest City” is also home to one of the least-affordable housing markets in the nation. Skyrocketing housing costs, low vacancy rates, rising income inequality, neighborhood physical deterioration, and the challenges of transitioning the workforce population into long-term employment are straining the vitality of San Diego neighborhoods and residents. Since 1991, San Diego LISC and its affiliates have invested more than $186.6 million towards the construction of over 5,000 affordable housing units and more than 919,504 square feet of commercial space throughout San Diego County.
During LISC's 20 year tenure in San Diego, it has assisted over 32 community development corporations (CDCs) build in excess of 5,000 affordable and safe homes for approximately 19,000 people. The total investment stimulated by LISC's financial support has topped $778 million. Funding has been combined with a wide variety of technical and training support that has greatly enhanced the ability of CDCs to pursue and achieve multiple community renewal objectives. San Diego LISC serves neighborhoods to increase housing and economic development, from Oceanside to San Ysidro.
San Diego LISC has implemented 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. To learn more about Neighborhood's First, watch the video below or visit www.nfsandiego.org.
National Local Initiatives Support Corporation was founded in 1980 with the support of the Ford Foundation to develop local leadership and build strong community-based development organizations. National LISC is now the country’s largest community building organization, providing technical assistance, training and financing for community development projects in 35 cities and rural areas in 37 states.
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