THE CHALLENGE
66% of Black and Latinx households live in liquid asset poverty (having less than 3-month’s worth of living expenses in savings), with the largest percentage being women between the ages of 25-54.
59% of Latino and Black households are cost-burdened renters, while Baltimore has over 15,000 vacant homes and lots, according to the Housing Authority of Baltimore City. Approximately 1,200 of these properties are city-owned.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The State of Maryland established the Appraisal Gap from the Historic Redlining Financial Assistance Program and Fund within the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance to affordable housing developers working in low-income census tracts in order to help close “appraisal gaps” that occur in historically redlined neighborhoods. Read more
Scott Administration committed $100 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding towards housing initiatives designed to protect residents, prevent blight, create affordable housing initiatives, and implement vacancy recommendations made through Mayor Scott’s 30-day directive to address Baltimore’s vacant housing stock. Read more
THE PROJECT
Prioritizing Our Women’s Economic Rise is a three-year project supported by JPMorgan Chase that brings together community-based organizations, government agencies, and institutions to accelerate the wealth creation among Black and Latina women in West Baltimore.
The POWER project equips Black and Latina women with the tools (Skills Training, Entrepreneurship Education, Access to Capital, Financial Education) to tap into the emerging and existing economic opportunities for the redevelopment and revitalization of the city of Baltimore. This project also includes advocacy for equitable and inclusive implementation of the state and local initiatives to address issues of the acquisition and disposition of vacant properties in Baltimore. Read more
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Latino Economic Development Center www.ledcmetro.org
Baltimore Community Lending https://bclending.org/
Black Women Build Baltimore https://blackwomenbuild.org/
Baltimore-DC Metro Building and Construction Trades Council https://www.bdcbt.org/
Parity Homes https://www.parityhomes.com/
Byte Back https://byteback.org/
If your organization is interested in participating in this program, please reach out to [email protected]
PROJECT EVALUATOR & PROJECT MANAGER
University of Maryland School of Social Work (Project Evaluator)
https://www.ssw.umaryland.edu/
The VPI Firm (Project Manager)
SPONSOR
JPMorgan Chase & Co https://www.jpmorganchase.com/impact
SERVICES AND RESOURCES
You only have to fill out one inquiry form if you are interested in one or more of our services or resources.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION
Business Coaching. Set your goals, design a business model, and establish a work plan guided and supported by a Small Business Coach.
Intensive Entrepreneurship Training & Mentorship. 60-hour course in business and leadership skills. This program will include a dedicated cohort for women working in real estate development and a module about worker-owned cooperatives.
ACCESS TO CAPITAL
Women's Small Business Fund. Accessible and low-cost loans from $2,500 to $250,000 to start or grow your business. No application fees and no interest for loans up to $5,000 (APR 0%).
Line of Credit for women developers. Accessible line of credit between $200,000 and $300,000 for small and mid-size developers with a vision to rehabilitate properties in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods in Baltimore.
SKILLS TRAINING
Computer Foundations. Build a solid foundation to learn more in an IT Professional Track. This is a great starting place for adults that have little to no experience with computers.
Apprenticeship Readiness Program (Building Trades). Start your career in the construction industry by participating in this Apprenticeship Readiness program that prepares participants to apply for, enter, and successfully complete a building trades apprenticeship program.
Real Estate Developer Apprenticeship. This initiative gives emerging developers hands-on skills in real estate development through expert mentorship.
CREDIT BUILDING AND FINANCIAL CAPABILITY
Credit Building Program (Term Loan + Financial Education). 0% Interest loans from $500 to $2,500 to start building or repairing your personal credit. Work with our advisors to establish financial goals and strategies to improve your credit.
Matching Savings Grant. Set your savings goal from $300 to $600 in 6 or 12 months, and you will receive a matching grant if you achieve it.
You only have to fill out one inquiry form if you are interested in one or more of our services or resources.