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Rohingya turn to blockchain to solve identity crisis

Skot Thayer Alex Hern

August 20, 2018 |

The Guardian |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: Malaysia

Blockchain can be used to create digital identities for people who have lost legal documents or been denied citizenship. The technology is helping Rohingya in Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Saudi Arabia gain access to banking and educational opportunities.

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How these Portland residents got to own a piece of their neighborhood

Oscar Perry Abello

August 14, 2018 |

Next City |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Portland, Oregon

A unique financial set up in Portland has led to the creation of the East Portland Community Investment Trust, in which residents in four local zip codes can invest small amounts of money into local projects, specifically shares of a shopping center. To invest, community members need to take a short financial literacy class. So far, the average investment is just $80, but that still pays annual dividends that are meaningful to its investors.

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A cheaper way to ease Seattle's homeless crisis? Pierce County sees promising results

Vianna Davila

August 12, 2018 |

The Seattle Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Tacoma, Washington

In Washington State's Pierce County, homeless services employees have been helping people on the housing waiting list by using "diversion," to "connect clients to one-time financial help, instead of a prolonged subsidy, to secure housing." The two-year pilot program found that 50% of people who opted into diversion found permanent housing, 15% more than those who were directed to emergency shelters. While the diversion strategy is not a fix for systemic issues that keep people from securing housing, it is an approach that is both useful and cost-saving.

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Financial Empowerment Centers Help City Residents Improve Their Fiscal Health

Oscar Perry Abello

August 06, 2018 |

Next City |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Financial Empowerment Centers work with clients to help them build savings, improve credit scores, and take full advance of assistance programs. While the daily demands of poverty often create an inability to plan for the future, the Center's clients have found that counseling has provided a path to engage with these issues and a trusted helper to improve their financial health.

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Trinidad seizes artist pursuits as economic development strategy

Carla Jean Whitley

August 02, 2018 |

Glenwood Springs Post Independent |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Trinidad, Colorado

One small town in Colorado has spurred economic development by implementing a strategy that focused on the revitalization of creative industries. As a result, Trinidad, CO, has seen a twofold increase in lodging tax income and restaurant sales tax as well as a drastic increase in profits from commercial building permits. Local artists recognized the potential Trindad could have as a creative district and brought the plan to city officials who were eventually able to take advantage of state programs and collaborate with a nonprofit to generate creative business, revitalizing the local economy as a result.

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Carbondale market study to inform the future of artist live-work spaces

Carla Jean Whitley

August 02, 2018 |

Glenwood Springs Post Independent |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Carbondale, Colorado

Carbondale is one of several Colorado towns that is focusing on preserving affordability for local artists. Since a different town was selected for a state-run program called Space to Create, Carbondale had to get more creative. The town is now working with a consulting group called Artspace that specializes in affordable housing for artists. Though the project is still in the early stages, they have already conducted a feasibility study and have clear plans in place to the development of affordable housing sites.

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Investing in Local Business to Get an Even Break

Courtney E. Martin

July 31, 2018 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Baltimore, Maryland

The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, known as Balle, encourages a “localism” approach to decrease wealth disparities. By hosting a fellowship program to share best practices as well as encouraging philanthropic foundations to invest their endowments in mission-aligned organizations, Balle as served 121,650 small businesses and worked with philanthropic leaders representing over $8 billion in assets.

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Developer tests a new way to fund housing for the homeless: private financing

Doug Smith

July 19, 2018 |

Los Angeles Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Los Angeles, California

In an attempt to increase housing for the homeless in L.A. in a financially sustainable way, FlyAway Homes has started several projects to build homeless housing supported by private investment. Fifty six investors will get a return, though not a large one, on the 9-unit property that will house 32 homeless individuals. This model is more efficient than when a non-profit organization builds homeless housing, and more properties under FlyAway Homes will show if the model is in fact sustainable.

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'I Know How Far I Can Go': Black Entrepreneurs Overcome Challenges In Brazil

Catherine Osborn

July 13, 2018 |

NPR |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: Brazil, Salvador

A start-up accelerator in Salvador, Brazil is aiming to support black-owned businesses through its business incubator resources. Dende Valley, named as a nod to Silicon Valley, is an accelerator that prioritizes and trains black entrepreneurs to combat systemic racism and lack of opportunity in Brazil. There were 107 applicants for 30 spots this year, and the company expects to triple availability next year as people look to take advantage of their programs.

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To Combat Gentrification, One City Is Changing How Homes Are Bought and Sold

Lornet Turnbull

July 13, 2018 |

Yes! Magazine |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Buffalo, New York

The city of Buffalo is beginning to gentrify, and long-time residents are trying to stop it and keep housing affordable. Under leadership of locals and with support from city officials, the new Fruit Belt Community Land Trust aims to develop a strategic plan and find ways to keep housing in the hands of community members for the next 99 years. Though there is some opposition from people who want to maintain the value of their homes, the land trust leaders are hoping to demonstrate the value that collective action can add to their neighborhood.

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