We are proud to present our Impact Report on Cohort 1 & 2 of the Alameda County Housing Development Capacity Building Program, a transformative initiative aimed at addressing the pressing issue of affordable housing in our community. This report not only highlights the significant impact of the program but also shares the invaluable insights and lessons learned along the way. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the partners who have made this work possible.
Using local funding dedicated to housing and homeless programs, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors entrusted the Community Development Agency's Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) with the task of identifying a partner through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The goal was to find an organization that could focus on training, education, and capacity building. It was through this collaborative effort that the Housing Development Capacity Building Program came to fruition, empowering faith and community-based organizations with land and a commitment to affordable housing to leverage their assets towards the shared goal of creating more affordable housing opportunities.
In 2018, the County awarded the contract to administer the program to LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation). However, the support didn't end there. The San Francisco Foundation (SFF) and its FAITHS (Foundation Alliance with Interfaith to Heal Society) program stepped in as additional partners, providing crucial funding and support. The SFF's mission was to ensure that Black-led churches in Alameda County could access and benefit from the resources of the program, thus promoting equity and inclusivity in affordable housing initiatives.
Together, the County, SFF, and LISC facilitated the implementation of two cohorts of faith and community organizations, with the second cohort concluding in November 2022. This collaborative effort allowed for a comprehensive and impactful capacity-building experience for participating organizations, empowering them to take significant strides in addressing the affordable housing crisis in our community.
In this report, we delve into the outcomes, lessons learned, and the lasting impact of the Housing Development Capacity Building Program. We invite you to join us on this journey of transformation, gratitude, and hope as we work together to build a future where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.