Stories
Meaningful Engagement: A Key to Equitable Climate Action in Community Development
In her chapter from What’s Possible: Investing NOW for Prosperous, Sustainable Neighborhoods, LISC’s Madeline del Carmen Fraser Cook, who also co-edited the book, explores the imperative of authentic community engagement in the work of supporting historically underinvested places to become more energy efficient and climate resilient. It’s a process that demands insight, bona fide listening and what she describes as “working at the speed of trust.”
Home Ownership is Near for Long-Time Renters on New York City's Lower East Side
Amidst record-high rental rates and limited affordable housing opportunities, some New York City residents are finding hope in the Affordable Neighborhood Co-op Program (ANCP). LISC New York helped the nonprofit Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) secure $9.6 million in construction financing to renovate three downtown Manhattan buildings and convert them to affordable for-sale housing. Following two years of renovation, existing tenants at East 12th Street are preparing to purchase shares in their future cooperative building.
LISC’s CEO 100 Days In: Priorities for the Future, and Right Now
LISC president and CEO Michael T. Pugh reflects on what he's learned in his first months helming the organization, and shares top priorities for the year, both internally and for supporting the communities we work with. Green housing, second-chance employment and AI as a tool for more efficient credit-building and lending are at the top of the list, along with strengthening and streamlining LISC's operations to achieve maximum impact in people's lives.
With LISC Loan, Electrical Contractor Expands Capacity and Green Offerings
Memphis Electric, with help from a $1 million LISC small business loan is seeking larger contracts, reducing reliance on factoring, and upskilling staff. The company is helping build a stronger network of diverse suppliers nationally to support a greener economy.
Single Parents are Saving Energy and Staying in School at Indiana’s First Net-Zero Affordable Housing Community
Black and White Investments LLC, with help from a $635,000 permanent loan, added a solar array to housing for low-income adults attending college, helping manage the property’s sustainable features and reducing energy costs. The project can be a model for affordable housing everywhere.
Settling In—and Getting to Work—at LISC
LISC’s new CEO, Michael T. Pugh, reflects on the full-tilt activity and relationship-building of his first five weeks on the job. Meeting funders, community partners, residents and colleagues has been the most enriching part of the journey.