In November 2023, CDF provided $4.5 million in NMTC (NMTC) allocation to Lawndale Christian Legal Center (LCLC) to fund the rehabilitation of a 24,600-sq. ft. existing facility and the construction of an 8,000-sq. ft. addition to create a 32,600-sq. ft. residential workforce development center located at 1449 South Keeler Avenue in the North Lawndale neighborhood.
The project will house LCLC’s residential workforce development program, community-based legal services, and wrap-around support services for young adults ages 18 to 24. Project elements include 20 single-room occupancy units (SRO) for its residential workforce development program; a computer lab; program and training space; fitness facilities; a commercial kitchen and cafeteria; and office space for LCLC’s attorneys, case managers, and outreach workers.
The project increases the accessibility of LCLC’s services to young adults in North Lawndale’s K-Town and supports new programs that address the neighborhood’s unmet needs. At full operation, the project will provide 1,980 clients with holistic, community-based legal representation and social services to promote better community outcomes. LCLC’s residential workforce development program will provide 20 clients annually with stable housing, robust support services, hard-skills training, transportation, and career opportunities with partnering unions and general contractors.
The project is anticipated to employ 47 full-time equivalent positions at full operation. In coordination with CDF’s financing, Corporation for Supportive Housing provided $13 million in NMTC allocation for the project. NMTC equity was provided by Northern Trust.