For Immediate Release: November 15, 2017
Contact: Rebekah Caruthers, Communications Director: (202) 256-7154; rcaruthers@dccouncil.us
Councilmember Robert White Secures $1.5 Million to Support Entrepreneurship for Returning Citizens
Washington, DC— Councilmember Robert White worked with the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) to secure a $1.5 million investment over the next ten years to support entrepreneurship in the District, with priority given to residents who are returning citizens. This is in addition to NCRC’s original $10 million commitment to affordable housing over the same period. These commitments are requirements for NCRC’s request for tax exemption through the National Community Reinvestment Coalition Real Property Tax Exemption Act of 2017. NCRC is an association of hundreds of non-profits that focuses on affordable housing, housing retention, access to capital for entrepreneurs, and small business assistance.
“NCRC’s commitment to our returning citizens serves as a down-payment toward our goal of providing tools for our residents to rebuild their lives after incarceration rather than enter into a cycle of homelessness, unemployment, drug addiction and recidivism. After I was unsuccessful in getting the Incarceration to Incorporation program funded in the last budget cycle, I was determined to find resources to fulfill the spirit of that program.”
White, who has been a steadfast advocate for returning citizens, praised NCRC’s commitment to these residents and to those in need of affordable housing. He also thanked Committee Chair Jack Evans for his assistance with this measure.
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