Image: Community Vision and Genesis LA staff with CalCORE participants at the 2024 CalCORE convening in Fresno.
At Community Vision, we recognize the profound impact that Community Land Trusts (CLTs) and Community Development Corporations (CDCs) have in fostering inclusive, sustainable communities. These organizations are crucial in promoting long-term community ownership and preventing displacement, particularly in underserved areas.
That’s why we are deeply committed to supporting them through initiatives like CalCORE, a program designed to meet the unique needs of emerging CDCs and CLTs, especially those led by or serving communities of color. To date, over 40 organizations have been empowered by CalCORE’s extensive training and resources.
Understanding the hurdles organizations can face in securing capital, we provide critical low-cost pre-development financing. These loans are essential during the early stages of real estate projects, helping to cover costs like architectural planning and site surveying, which are vital for getting projects off the ground. Recently, we closed several pre-development loans, supporting both current and former CalCORE participants in advancing their projects, connecting capital to community:
Unseen Heroes for Creative Community Development, Sacramento
Unseen Heroes revitalizes culturally rich yet underserved neighborhoods by developing affordable housing and community spaces that reflect and celebrate the local heritage. The organization is planning a significant project in Sacramento that involves developing affordable housing alongside community-driven cultural spaces. This initiative will enhance long-term affordability and foster community pride and ownership.
Lowell CDC, Fresno
Lowell CDC is dedicated to revitalizing the Lowell neighborhood by expanding affordable housing, including innovative tiny homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The funding supports pre-development work essential for progressing their plans, including site work and architectural planning for a project featuring commercial space and four tiny homes.
Pahali CLT, East Palo Alto
As a subsidiary of East Palo Alto Community Alliance & Neighborhood Development Corporation, Pahali CLT was founded to create and preserve affordable housing in East Palo Alto. Their pre-development financing will support their project on Garden Street, which aims to acquire and rehabilitate properties for permanently affordable housing. This project will not only prevent displacement due to gentrification but also increase housing stability for low- to moderate-income families.
South Tower CLT, Fresno
South Tower CLT, a newly formed organization focused on creating affordable housing and community development, is working on the San Pablo Cottages project in Fresno’s diverse South Tower neighborhood. This initiative plans to utilize a triangular lot that has remained vacant since the construction of the CA-180 freeway in the 1980s. The first phase of the project involves the installation of seven tiny homes and a community building, which will contribute to neighborhood beautification and community engagement.
Through strategic financial tools like catalytic capital and programs like CalCORE, Community Vision is committed to providing resources that empower community-based real estate organizations, helping to build equitable, thriving communities where all residents experience stability and belonging.
