Community Development
Our work to build stronger, more sustainable communities is guided by a larger vision of community development. Since 1989, we have invested more than $593 million, leveraging $1.6 billion, resulting in more than 10,000 affordable homes, 2 million square feet of commercial and community space, training and educating almost 10,000 people toward better careers, coaching almost 5,000 people to obtain better wages and/or a new job, and supporting the establishment or growth of thousands of small businesses.
Our methodology is rooted in the evidenced based practice of comprehensive place-based community development – working in partnership with the families, government, civic leaders, and community agencies to foster solutions using a two-generational approach. The projects we invest in create more affordable housing and development, spur business development, increase family income and wealth building, improves access to quality education, and foster healthy lifestyles and communities. LISC Houston’s network of community partners total 65+ of Houston’s leading nonprofits, spanning a footprint across the entire Greater Houston area.
Our Work
Great Opportunity (GO) Neighborhoods: Introduced to Houston in 2009, GO is a proven model for forging resilient and inclusive communities through comprehensive, place-based community development that spans a footprint across 17 neighborhoods: these geographies directly overlap with Houston’s most vulnerable and hardest hit neighborhoods during COVID-19, in times of natural disasters, and those suffering the most with housing access and affordability. Read More.
Quality Life Agreements (QLA): Our signature product affecting community change, is supporting communities in creating their Quality of Life Agreements - 5-year strategic community plans focused on issues and developed by community members and stakeholders. LISC also provides capacity building for community action, identifies a supportive convening agency, and promotes shared leadership. Read More.
Small Grants: Since 2015, we have supported community-led projects by providing small grants to foster civic engagement, community organizing, and address issues like housing, health, education, economic development, family financial stability and resident leadership. Read More.
Leadership Academy: LISC hosts leadership development workshops for community members living and working in under-resourced neighborhoods to create thriving healthy communities, by empowering them to address social determinants of health. We do this through a series for leadership development; the sessions complement each other and respond to a variety of needs, recognizing that neighborhoods are at different levels of capacity and will draw on experts to tackle complex issues.
Training 4 Trainers (T4T): This annual 6-month, 6-session leadership training program brings together emerging leaders to collaboratively learn about leadership, advocacy, and community building skills topics. The program currently has 190 + graduates, or “ambassadors” who continue to engage with program activities. Read More.
Transit Oriented Development: Transit-oriented development (TOD) not only fulfills a community's basic need for efficient, affordable mass transit, but done successfully, it also attracts businesses and jobs, ensures access to affordable housing, maximizes existing infrastructure, and capitalizes on new investments to make neighborhoods more vibrant. Over the last few years, nationally LISC has invested $222 million in TOD efforts. New for 2024, LISC Houston is exploring a multi-sector collaboration on local TOD efforts. Read More.
National Football League (NFL) Foundation Grassroots Program: Since 2002, LISC Houston in partnership with LISC National, the NFL Foundation and the Houston Texans address the shortage of clean, safe and accessible football fields in low-and moderate-income neighborhoods. Fields are newly built or significantly renovated, with improvements including irrigation. Read More.
Foot Locker Foundation Community Empowerment Program: LISC Houston, through a partnership with LISC National and the Foot Locker Foundation, is part of national 12 city initiative to support community and youth empowerment in underserved communities by offering a range of services including health and wellness, education and life skills support, mentoring, and workforce development.