2010 Annual Report

Houston

Pursuing Comprehensive Revitalization

Houston LISC launched its Building Sustainable Communities initiative, known locally as Great Opportunities (GO) Neighborhoods, in two target areas: Independence Heights and Northside. Selected through a competitive process, the two pilot neighborhoods completed their Quality of Life Agreements (QLAs) in 2010 after more than a year of community engagement, neighborhood planning and leadership development. The QLAs outline strategies and key projects identified by the communities for the ongoing comprehensive revitalization of their neighborhoods. Houston LISC will add a third neighborhood in 2011.

Expanding Investment in Real Estate

With support from LISC, Avenue Community Development Corporation began construction on two projects situated on a 20-acre parcel in the Northside neighborhood. Now, 144 units of affordable multi-family housing are being leased and construction is beginning on 95 units of LEED-certified single-family homes. New Hope Housing completed construction on two projects in 2010 using Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity investment from LISC’s affiliate, the National Equity Fund, Inc. Brays Crossing and Sakowitz offer a combined 315 units of Single Room Occupancy housing to Houston’s very low-income individuals. Also under construction is a major expansion of the Houston Food Bank financed in part by tax credit investment from LISC’s affiliate New Markets Support Company.

Building Family Income & Wealth

In a strategic partnership with United Way THRIVE, an initiative of United Way of Greater Houston, LISC opened two Financial Opportunity Centers in 2010 in the Alief and Northside neighborhoods. The Centers help families achieve financial stability through accessible locations. Thanks to support from LISC’s $4.2 million Social Innovation Fund award, four more Centers will open in 2011. The six Centers offer employment and financial services such as job placement, community job fairs, one-on-one financial coaching, credit counseling and financial education, and will connect families to affordable financial tools and public benefits.

Improving Access to Quality Education

LISC provided $550,000 in financing to help the Tejano Center for Community Concerns with its $23 million charter school expansion project in the East End, increasing student enrollment by 50 percent.

Fostering Livable & Healthy Environments

In early 2011, Houston celebrated the grand opening of the NFL Grassroots Youth Football Field at the Houston Texans YMCA in the Third Ward. This facility provides much-needed play space for the area’s families. Investment from LISC’s Community Safety Initiative helped the Independence Heights neighborhood partner with the Houston Police Department and create citizen safety teams for crime watch and prevention efforts.