Over the last four years, GOPC had the honor of observing and monitoring the progress of a three-year, $5M grant made to four CDFIs in Columbus. GOPC worked with partners to engage residents and record their achievements throughout the grant period.
A Network of Partners Worked to Accomplish Shared Goals
In 2019, four CDFIs and six nonprofits formed the 614 for Linden, and added an additional partner by 2022. The goal of the initiative was to support four of the ten big ideas from the One Linden Plan, a neighborhood plan for the combined Linden area in Columbus, OH.
The four big ideas were:
Stabilize & Expand Housing Options
Develop Business & Support Entrepreneurs
Build Community Investment
Support Resident Health
The collaborative was supported by JPMorgan Chase's PRO Neighborhoods Program, which provides three-year neighborhood development grants to CDFIs. The collaborative received $5 million to use between 2019 to 2022 to accomplish their goals in the Linden area through the grant program.
As part of the grant, the initiative was required to work with a third party evaluator to assess their progress. The collaborative chose GOPC to evaluate the grant over the three year period. We evaluated the grant through stakeholder interviews, yearly reports and updates, and tracked key project metrics.
The Collaborative Supported Linden Residents through a Variety of Projects
The collaborative was successful in accomplishing many of their goals and when they faced challenges, they were adaptive in their response. The collaborative supported the Linden community in key areas:
Supported Access to Affordable Housing
Created or preserved 400 affordable housing units for low- to moderate-income families
OCFC and AHT supported housing work through an additional $20 million funding pool
Assisted at least 296 Linden residents in avoiding homelessness
Supported development of Rosewind Estates, Mulby Place, Kenlawn Place, as well as work by Healthy Homes representing $79.8 million in total investment for the area.
Provided Equitable Development Opportunity
ECDI issued 65 small business loans which helped preserve almost 200 jobs for residents
Over $1.5 million in loans were provided to support 54 businesses in Linden
Thirty eight loans assisted businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic totaling over $500,000
129 businesses received 1,340 hours of training, consultation, and technical assistance
Supported Community Health
At least 4,000 households received over 24,000 baskets of produce through the Linden Market
Studied the feasibility of opening a full-service grocery in Linden in the future
At least 8,000 households provided with healthy food through partners' food pantries
A variety of health services and programs provided by Nationwide Children's Hospital
Engaged a Variety of Stakeholders
Hosted over 1,700 hours of engagement which reached 1,500 residents
Worked with a Neighborhood Advisory Committee to shape their work in the neighborhood
Community events were regularly hosted and attended by collaborative members
45 stakeholders were interviewed to share their thoughts on the collaborative
GOPC concluded the 614 for Linden met or exceeded nearly every goal they set for themselves. In particular, GOPC found that 614 partners exceeded in providing loans to businesses, assisting residents with rapid rehousing services, preserving and creating jobs, engaging residents through community events, and strengthening affordable housing access through the development and funding of projects. Excitingly, partners will continue to support the area in 2023 and beyond, relying on the strong connections built between partner organizations and residents.
To learn more about the work of the 614 for Linden, please read the latest White Paper, authored by GOPC.