Our Mission
The 614 for Linden is a collaborative of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and nonprofits seeking to implement 4 of the Big Ideas identified in the City of Columbus’ One Linden Plan. The goal is to build upon the work of One Linden to create an equitable, opportunity-rich neighborhood for existing residents of Linden.
Our Impact
To achieve the goal of creating an equitable, opportunity-rich Linden, the 614 initiative seeks to comprehensively invest in the neighborhood as a means to catalyze additional investment to preserve and increase affordable housing and commercial development, provide access to technical assistance and capital for local small businesses, increase healthy food access and offer health services to area residents.
Our Goals
Below summarizes the 4 Big Ideas from the One Linden Plan that the Collaborative seeks to address as well as goals and target metrics for the work.
1) Stabilize & Expand Housing Options
Stable housing is foundational to success
The 614 places a substantial focus on affordable housing and rapid rehousing programming. Our goals:
Develop a Linden housing loan pool of approximately $20 Million to finance the acquisition, rehabilitation, and/or construction of affordable housing units
Target loan funds to preserve or create approximately 500 affordable housing units for individuals and families who earn less than 80% of the area’s median income
Provide rapid rehousing services for up to 200 individuals experiencing or near homelessness
3) Build Community Investment
Coordinated investments are integral
Concerted investment efforts are integral for creating an opportunity-rich neighborhood for existing Linden residents. Our goals:
Develop 2 commercial facilities and 1 community facility that spurs additional neighborhood investment
2) Support Business & Entrepreneurs
employment opportunities and services are critical
Living-wage employment opportunities and locally-accessible services and amenities are critical ingredients to a thriving neighborhood. Our goals:
Offer consulting, technical assistance, and other resources to 80 small businesses, including providing 45 microloans to local entrepreneurs starting or expanding an operation
Create around 100 full-time jobs, as a result of neighborhood investment and new businesses
4) Support Resident Health
health outcomes are high priorities
Healthy food access and improvements to health outcomes are high priorities for Linden. Our goals:
Focus on “wraparound” health services, particularly prenatal and maternal programs
Provide funds to create or attract 1 or more businesses to provide healthy food access
Our Partners
The 614 for Linden stands for the 6 nonprofits, 1 neighborhood, and 4 CDFIs. Those partners include OCFC, the Affordable Housing Trust, Finance Fund, ECDI, Nationwide Children’s Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families Initiative, Community Shelter Board, CD4AP, Affordable Housing Alliance, Saint Stephen’s Community House, and Community of Caring Development Foundation.
