Representative: Mack McDonald
Renaissance West Community Initiative (RWCI) tackles intergenerational poverty with a holistic approach that includes mixed-income housing, a cradle-to-career education pipeline, and community wellness programming. RWCI seeks to diversify its revenue by attracting social entrepreneurs whose focus is to develop new income streams from nontraditional sources and employ residents.
What is the focus of your organization?
Breaking cycles of poverty through holistic community redevelopment.
How did your organization start?
The Charlotte Housing Authority in combination with community leaders applied for a Hope VI grant to redevelopment Boulevard Homes housing project. Part of the grant included a community quarterback and strategy of redevelop based on the Purpose Built Communities model.
What is the issue you’re addressing?
Career opportunities for people in poverty and program sustainability.
Where did your passion for this cause come from?
Personal experience of growing up in and out of poverty.
Why is your work so important?
Poverty affects us all in negative ways and can be devastating to those it directly impacts.
What are you most excited for as it relates to the SEED20 process?
Meeting lots of great people, getting the word out about my organization, learning how to effectively and efficiently present my organization’s story.
What have you already learned from this process?
Many issues in the community are interconnected. There are many caring people in the community. Many people believe in the power of marketing and communications.
What do you hope to get out of SEED20?
To advance my organization’s exposure with funders and in the greater Charlotte community.
@RenaissanceWestCommunityInitiative
@_RWCI
SEED20 Onstage is on March 25, 2019. Tickets available soon.
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