Congratulations to the LISC Houston Pre-Development and Preservation Grant Awardees!

LISC Houston is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Pre-Development and Preservation Grant. This marks the first time LISC Houston has offered a grant of this kind, underscoring our deep commitment to addressing the pressing need for affordable housing in the Greater Houston area. 

Each of these organizations has demonstrated exceptional dedication to their projects, and the selected projects represent a diverse range of housing solutions, from single-family for-sale developments to multi-family senior housing. We are especially proud to announce that, among the awardees, we were able to provide grants to two emerging developers, including a graduate of our Supporting Empowered Emerging Developers (SEED) Academy. These emerging developers exemplify the next generation of leaders dedicated to advancing equitable and sustainable housing initiatives. 

Meet the 2024 Grant Recipients 

1. Freedmen’s Town Community Investment Project 
Freedmen’s Town Community Investment Project led by SEED Academy graduate; Zion Escobar was awarded a grant for The Victor St. Historic Row House Rehab Project. This development aims to restore iconic shotgun houses in Houston’s Freedmen’s Town, creating 6 new units and revitalizing 10 homes from the 1930s for households earning from 30% - 80% Area Median Income (AMI). It preserves heritage while promoting economic empowerment, targeting the legacy of Houston’s “Black Wall Street” 

2. New Hope Housing 
New Hope Housing Wheatley (“NHH Wheatley”) will be the first Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) in Houston’s historic Acres Homes. NHH Wheatley will provide up to 103 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes, all of which will be dedicated to households making between 30% and 60% of AMI. 

3. Houston Habitat for Humanity 
Houston Habitat for Humanity was awarded a grant to develop 17 homes in the Greater Third Ward neighborhood. This project will address affordability by catering to multi-generational households and aims to increase homeownership rates for families with incomes at or below 80% AMI.  

4. William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity 
William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity (WALIPP) was awarded a grant for the WALIPP Senior Residence Expansion project. This development will add 102 one-bedroom apartments with ample resident services to enable Third Ward’s older adults to maintain an independent lifestyle. Senior citizens (age 55 and above) are eligible for rental units at 30%, 50% and 60% AMI. 

5. Agape Development Ministries 
Agape Development Ministries was awarded a grant to develop affordable rental housing. This project aims to build 6 rental housing duplexes in OST/South Union, accommodating 45 residents earning up to 80% AMI. 

6. Avenue Community Development Corporation 
Avenue Community Development Corporation was awarded a grant for the Independence Hall Apartments project. This development in Northline will rehab 292 units for extremely low-income seniors and persons with disabilities earning from less than 30% to 50% AMI. 

Explore the map below to see the locations of all the projects supported by the LISC Houston Pre-Development and Preservation Grant, showcasing the impactful work happening across our city. 

The LISC Houston Pre-Development and Preservation Grant is more than just financial support; it’s an investment in the future of our city. By empowering these organizations to move forward with their projects, we are helping to ensure that Houston remains a place where everyone has access to safe, affordable housing. 

As these projects progress, we look forward to sharing updates and celebrating milestones with you. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of Houston’s residents, one development at a time. 

For more information, please contact Jason Grant Program Officer Housing and Strategic Initiatives, at jgrant2@lisc.org.