CSH Selected by Citi Foundation’s Community Progress Makers Fund Grant Program to Accelerate Economic Opportunity

Community Progress Maker Joins Leading Nonprofit Organizations Across the United States – Will Address Affordable Housing Creation in Los Angeles

CSH announced today that it has been selected as a recipient of the Community Progress Makers Fund, a $20 million grant initiative to support 40 visionary nonprofit organizations in their efforts to establish new approaches to long-standing urban economic challenges in the United States – including economic development, environment sustainability, urban infrastructure, and affordable housing.

As part of the program, CSH will receive a core operating support grant of $500,000 over the course of two years to continue its work in Los Angeles around creating solutions that address the needs of vulnerable people, including those experiencing homelessness or other housing instability. This new injection of funds will help bolster existing CSH initiatives to develop more supportive housing (affordable apartments + access to services) while opening up the door to additional programs such as employment training and placement for supportive housing residents. In addition to the grant, CSH also will have access to technical assistance from leading national researchers and experts, and will be provided opportunities to connect with other grantees to share and learn best practices.

“It’s well known that Los Angeles is facing an affordable housing crisis and many people are struggling,” said Deborah De Santis, President and CEO of CSH. “But what Citi Foundation is advancing with this investment is wholesale reform in the way communities assess housing need and the difficulties vulnerable people encounter when trying to find a home and stay housed. Many barriers block their way forward – extreme poverty, mental health challenges, addictions, lack of job opportunities, to name a few – and Citi recognizes local partnerships must address all of these issues in addition to creating stable, affordable housing.”

“The Citi Foundation feels privileged to support organizations that have demonstrated such strong commitments to their local communities and a willingness to share their experiences with others for the betterment of their neighborhoods,” said Brandee McHale, President of the Citi Foundation. “These organizations have a track record of implementing solutions that work for their communities because they know the people there, understand what resources to tap and, most importantly, feel deeply invested in the places where they live and work. We believe that’s the key to leading urban transformation efforts in Los Angeles and elsewhere across the country.”

The Community Progress Makers Fund builds upon the Citi Foundation’s commitment to identify and support innovative solutions and organizations that are helping build stronger, more resilient cities that are engines of economic opportunity for all. The flexibility of  core operating support will allow organizations and their visionary leaders to deploy solutions that address a range of issues.