Enterprise Community Partners

On L.A.’s Eastside, one nonprofit developer is going big and going green with a bold commitment to shift its entire housing portfolio to an all-electric system. East LA Community Corporation CEO Monica Mejia says their decarbonization initiative goes beyond replacing mechanical systems. It’s also about engaging residents and building an environmentally conscious community. Our interview with Monica’s caps off our Resilient 7 series celebrating housing leaders making the green energy transition a reality.

2024 was a milestone year of accomplishments, and we couldn’t have done it without the partnership and support of our Enterprisers, partners, and investors. Join us in celebrating some of our highlights from the past year. 👏

At Enterprise Community Partners, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. Like his dear Rosalynn, President Carter leaves behind an indelible legacy and lifelong dedication to serving communities not just here in the United States but around the globe. Like no other leader, President Carter believed in the power of a stable and healthy home, and I had the honor to hammer nails alongside him at a number of his legendary Habitat for Humanity International "builds." On those sites and in all his endeavors, his time, labor, and leadership showed what’s possible when people come together to support their neighbors. His decades of advocacy will continue to inspire and challenge us to bring our best to the work of ensuring every family has a place to call home.

The results from HUD’s Annual Homelessness Assessment Report give us a chance to reaffirm what so many of us agree on — our communities need more housing that all of us can afford and the support we all need to live healthy lives. The data also makes it clearer than ever. Too many of us are facing sky-rocketing housing costs, poor healthcare options, and increasing costs to meet our everyday needs. The real impacts of these pressures are playing out in people’s lives and have the biggest impacts on people on the brink of homelessness or already experiencing it. Let’s be clear. We don’t have to take this into our future. We know what works because communities see wins every day — quick connections to permanent housing and the range of supportive services people need and want. And humane, people-centered responses while we bring long-term solutions to bear. Reductions in Veteran homelessness give us a roadmap for solving homelessness for everyone. We can choose a better path together. And we must. All the successes in communities, despite these challenges, are REMARKABLE. And they’re an important down payment on the future we’re all working toward.

Heartbreaking news from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on rise in homelessness nationwide. The record number of people across the country experiencing homelessness is an American shame, yet it's hardly surprising. From coast to coast, the nation is experiencing a profound shortage of affordable homes. That is driving a record-breaking number of people, in particular families with children, into homelessness. What’s most devastating about this latest data is that we know how to end homelessness: quick connections to permanent housing and the range of supportive services people need and want to prevent homelessness in the first place. Americans are crying out for solutions to our nationwide affordability crunch, and today’s data make it plain: leaders at the local, state, and federal level must work to advance more affordable housing in every pocket of the country. https://lnkd.in/e6Quu64E

An 18% increase in homelessness this year — that’s what data released by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today shows. Families with children are especially feeling the strain, with a 39% jump from 2023. As our CEO and President Shaun Donovan says, “What’s most devastating about this is that we know how to end homelessness: quick connections to permanent housing and the range of supportive services people need to prevent homelessness in the first place.” Read his full statement: https://bit.ly/3VSjSrO

2024 has been a milestone year, from celebrating 1M homes to creating the first landmark Power Forward Communities coalition to receiving our second Mackenzie Scott grant. None of this would have been possible without our Enterprisers and their unrelenting commitment to making home and community places of pride, power and belonging. Thank you for an incredible year!

Neither wind nor cold could deter the enthusiasm for Enterprise’s solar installation at The Overlook at Oxon Run in Southeast Washington, D.C. Earlier this month, the Community Development division’s John Fox, Martin Taylor, and Galgallo Golompo led a tour of the community’s solar canopies for the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Solar for All division and key staff from the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE)'s Solar for All program. The community’s solar design and implementation projects include rooftop and carport solar panels, and a community solar program to help residents save 50% on their electric bills. Our partner Prospect Solar also discussed the solar installation training offered to residents as part of our workforce program, and the hiring of program graduates.

Happy holidays! A gift for you from us, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York — a free copy of the What’s Possible book, “Investing NOW for Prosperous, Sustainable Neighborhoods.” Claim it now: https://nyfed.org/3y2Nwl0

Our very own Briana Mason was recently recognized by Michigan Chronicle's 40 under 40 as an emerging leader defining Detroit’s next generation! Her connection to the city feeds her expertise and passion for her work with community organizations and her family in equal measure. As a mother of twins, she is busy from dawn to dusk — here’s what a typical day in the life looks like for Briana: https://bit.ly/41Qpoi6