LISC works across a spectrum of affordable housing initiatives and has for nearly 40 years. Our aim remains constant: to make high-quality affordable housing available in communities where the need is greatest.
Multifamily Development and Finance
LISC works to create new housing for Americans living on low-income in urban, suburban and rural areas across the country. We offer technical and financial assistance to developers and advocates, helping our partners understand and make use of complex affordable housing programs. We keep them apprised of new policies, skills and strategies as we advance industry-wide conversations. All of our efforts zero in on the most effective ways to make housing part of comprehensive community development, whether it’s building around a transit hub, including a community health center on the ground floor, or using green technologies to reduce demand on public utilities.
Affordable Housing Preservation
Losing affordable housing at the same time that we build it undercuts our efforts to meet ever-increasing need. That’s why, preserving affordable housing in the face of market forces or deterioration is a critical component of our strategy. LISC supports our partners in taking advantage of key government tools for multifamily housing preservation, including HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, the Choice Neighborhoods initiative and new mechanisms for preserving Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties.
Sustainable Housing
Embracing “green” practices in the construction, rehabilitation and management of affordable housing reduces environmental impact and lowers operating expenses over the long term. Sustainable materials and management procedures also promote health: housing free of allergens, chemicals and pollutants improves quality of life for residents. LISC offers financing solutions and technical assistance to help owners carry out green renovations and manage properties in a way that promotes sustainability and resiliency.
Single Family Housing and Foreclosure Intervention
Not all of our work revolves around multifamily projects. We offer robust financing and guidance to our partners developing and preserving affordable single family homes in all kinds of markets. Deteriorating housing stock saps low-income household budgets, contributes to health problems and can lead to displacement. We support home repair initiatives in cities across the country, as well as the preservation of manufactured housing, especially in our rural footprint. We also offer foreclosure intervention and tools to stabilize communities decimated by the collapse of the housing market in 2007.
Public Policy and Network-building
LISC works closely with our policy team in Washington, D.C. to back bills and initiatives that promote better affordable housing policies. Our housing team serves as a vital link between policy staff and local LISC offices and helps the field integrate new government programs into their work at the community level. We also connect nonprofit owners, community developers, housing authorities and other organizations through workshops, publications, trainings, panel discussions and conferences.