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IN THIS ISSUE
WANTED: Marketing and Communications Interns
Trying Times: Where CDFI's Stand
Green, Clean & Lean: Traugott Terrace
Donor Profile: The Seattle Foundation
QUICK LINKS
Did You Know?
To date, Impact Capital has a 100% repayment rate on its CIF Loan Pool. In part, it's due to our strong partnerships and great borrowers.
- That is more than... Tiger Woods' winning percentage on PGA Tours. (29.8%)
- The percentage of people in the U.S. that own dogs. (39%)
- The percentage of people in the U.S. who drink coffee daily. (50%)
Impact Capital Newsletter
Fall 2009
WANTED: Marketing and Communications Interns
Are you a college student or graduate student looking for real-world experience in a dynamic nonprofit organization? Do you want to learn about writing press releases and outreach materials, grantwriting, research, and event planning? If so, send your resume and a cover letter to Magda Herrera by September 30, 2009.
Our Current Projects
Lending Program
$305,500 to Joint Pacific County Housing Authority in South Bend, Washington, to build 15 affordable housing units. Ten of these will be set aside for victims of domestic violence.
Community Building Program
A key component of Impact Capital's Vibrant Communities initiative is the creation of a neighborhood action plan by the lead agency. The White Center Community Development Association has been working diligently the last several months to complete its neighborhood action plan to be debuted in October.
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Trying Times: Where CDFI's Stand
The Community Development Financial Institution ("CDFI") industry plays a crucial role in safeguarding the pathway from poverty to prosperity for neighborhoods often underserved by traditional lenders. During an economic downturn, their role becomes even more crucial.
As low-income communities are watching the financial gains made during the last few decades disappear, CDFI's continue to act as a catalyst for investors, lenders, and other community resources to develop housing and commercial districts in underserved areas. At the very least, they remind financial institutions and investors not to overlook these communities.
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GREEN, CLEAN & LEAN: How Traugott Terrace Is Enhancing Neighborhood Recovery Services
By Rebecca Berry, Impact Capital Summer 2009 Intern
Traugott Terrace (pronounced TRAWGahT), broadens the support services of the Matt Talbo
t Center, by offering fifty units of low income housing to those seeking to free themselves from addiction. The Matt Talbot Center was created in 1985, and is the result of a partnership between Gregory Alex and Traugott "Tom" Zurcher. They sought to meet the essential needs in mind, body, and spirit, of those that come seeking assistanclImpact Capital was able to support this project by providing a pre-development loan of $45,000. Impact Capital supports projects that help to create healthy, vibrant communities - good places to live, work, do business and raise families. Multi-beneficial projects, like Traugott Terrace, provide numerous benefits for the Belltown community and its residents.
This success story has a win, win, and win outcome. In addition to providing low income housing, and supporting addiction recovery, Traugott Terrace is the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified affordable housing project in the nation. This project installed energy-efficiency windows, gearless traction elevator, used low VOC finishes and sealants, and many other "green" fixtures to reduce the building's environmental footprint.
"Not only is it green and certified, but it is also the first permanent clean and sober housing in the State of Washington. Until we opened in 2003, every clean and sober affordable housing program was transitional," says Jacqueline M. Raymond, Program Director for Traugott Terrace. Permanent housing provides stability that is critical for a successful recovery.
The stable community environment has produced many happy endings for its 
residents. Many tenants move on and get married, and one resident was able to move out and buy a townhouse in Everett. "One of my biggest success stories was a guy who was actually working on the construction of this building; he was drawn to and became a respected member of the Matt Talbot Center. When we opened, he moved in and is now one of my go-to-guys on staff," said Ms. Raymond.
Some of the residents commented on how living at Traugott Terrace has affected them:
"I've re-learned compassion, tolerance, and appreciation."
"My personal dignity has been restored."
"I am grateful for the changes in me physically, spiritually, and mentally."
"My attitudes and thinking have changed a lot."
"Traugott Terrace is a great example of Impact Capital's goal of revitalizing communities by looking at innovative approaches to create and sustain change, in people and communities," says Heyward Watson, the CEO of Impact Capital. "We are proud to have been early investors in this project and are excited about the positive results it's having as a model for housing around the country." The environmentally friendly features are expected to save Traugott Terrace owners around $20,000 each year in operating costs while enabling them to support residents who can positively contribute to our communities. Now that's what I call a success!
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Donor Profile: The Seattle Foundation
Please click here to read the profile about one of Impact Capital's most long-standing partners.
Upcoming Events
September 28, 2009
Angels and Demons
A reception at the Catacombs Pub and Montvale Hotel benefiting Vibrant Communities Spokane, a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization initiative in East Central Spokane
September 29-30, 2009
Housing Washington Conference
This event will provide a forum for learning, stimulating discussion and ideas, forging new and strengthening existing relationships, and building collaborative efforts to support the preservation and creation of affordable housing.
October 11, 2009
Run Vera Run
5k run/ walk to benefit all-ages music and art at the Vera Project
October 15 & 16, 2009
Negotiating Commercial Leases & Evaluating Commercial Tenants
An Impact Capital training
November 3 & 4, 2009
Nuts & Bolts of Asset Management
An Impact Capital training