CDFI FUND IMPACT BLOG

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many parents and their children to stay home as the country grappled with how to combat the new disease and keep the population safe through lockdowns, school closures, and emergency medical interventions. Employees from federal, state, and local governments, medical …

In addition to its global impact on public health and safety, the COVID-19 pandemic sent economic shockwaves throughout the world. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the United States’ Gross Domestic Product contracted by 3.5%, the largest contraction since 1946, and suffered the highest …

With a population of more than 2.7 million1, the City of Chicago is the third most populous city in America and has a total economic output of $770.7 billion2. This makes it the third largest metropolitan economy in the United States, after New York and Los Angeles. In spite of the city’s economic …

The US Census Bureau defines disability as a long-lasting physical, mental, or emotional condition. This condition can make it difficult for a person to do activities such as walking, climbing stairs, dressing, bathing, learning, or remembering, which can impede a person’s ability to go outside the …

Hawaii, with its tropical climate and rich Polynesian culture, is known as the American paradise. Among its inhabitants are Native Hawaiians that are the Aboriginal Polynesian people of the Hawaiian Islands or their descendants. According to the US Census 2019 American Community Survey 1-Year …

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) bridge the gap between low-income individuals, families and businesses and the financial resources that they need in order to thrive. CDFIs leverage their financial resources by working with state and federal agencies, foundations, other financial …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as the disruption of food intake or eating patterns because of lack of money and other resources. In 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, USDA estimates that 10.5% (13.7 million) households were food insecure at some point in time …

A major logistical and economic decision facing American families is finding quality affordable childcare. This is especially difficult for low-income families. According to the US Census Bureau, low-income families (less than 200% of the poverty level; or less than $50,000 for a family of four) …

Recovering from a disaster is a long, traumatic, and expensive process for survivors and the communities in which they live. In distressed and underserved areas, where insurance or private financial resources are often unaffordable or unavailable, recovery is an even more daunting effort. While …

With its limited banking presence, the rural area of Atmore, Alabama lacks mainstream financial service options, particularly for the quarter of its residents that are living at or below the poverty level. This is a familiar situation in rural areas across the nation located in, or are at risk of …

Just before Thanksgiving, I visited Milwaukee and Chicago and had the opportunity to witness the impact that CDFIs are making in those great cities. CDFIs nationwide are building businesses, creating jobs, and developing housing, and the CDFIs in Milwaukee and Chicago are no exception. In Milwaukee, …