Updates on Sustainable Communities Initiative in West Philadelphia

Andrew Goodman

August 26, 2009

Sustainable Communities Initiative in West Philadelphia

The Sustainable Communities Initiative in West Philadelphia (SCI-West), a new integrated and collaborative model for community development started by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), focuses on creating whole communities: safe places where attractive and valued real estate merge with employable, educated, healthy residents who generate enough income to care for themselves and their families. The strategy consists of a five-pronged approach that is guided by the needs and conditions of the targeted neighborhoods. The strategy’s five key elements are:
    * Expanding capital investment in housing and other real estate
    * Increasing family income and wealth
    * Stimulating local economic activity and connections to regional economies
    * Improving access to quality education
    * Supporting healthy environments and lifestyles

LISC recently chose West Philadelphia as one of its national Sustainable Community sites. Working together, Philadelphia LISC and the program partners (University City District, People’s Emergency Center, West Philadelphia Partnership CDC, and the Enterprise Center) are implementing a coordinated and comprehensive strategy designed to address multiple neighborhood problems, generate resources, and create maximum impact. For more information on LISC or the SCI initiative log onto http://www.lisc.org/sustainable/

SCI-West is committed to the economic strength and stability of the West Philadelphia communities which we serve. We also recognize the strong link between the great work of the residents, neighborhood organizations, and local non-profits to the overall health of West Philadelphia.

Check out the SCI-West Community Blog, which provides information on partner programs, community participants, and ongoing projects. Follow, comment, and submit ideas for post!

Volunteer opportunity: We are looking for community participation and volunteer bloggers. If you like to write, take photos, or make films about the West Philadelphia community, then you should get in contact with Christopher McManus (cmcmanus@pec-cares.org).

To join the mailing list for updates on West Philadelphia projects, click here.

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