Family Independence Initiative
Boston Director: Jesús Gerena
Website: www.fiinet.org
Family Independence Initiative (FII) is the most recent addition to the GreenLight Fund portfolio. Founded in Oakland, Calif., in 2002, FII’s mission is to create an opportunity rich environment that invests resources in low-income communities based on the strengths and initiative families demonstrate to improve their lives and those of others in their communities.
FII’s work is based on the belief that this country can reduce poverty by helping very low-income working families move to a more stable middle class status if the responsibility and resources for change are shifted to the very families who experience poverty. FII provides families with computers, access to small amounts of capital, and connections to opportunities. FII challenges low-income families to develop their own solutions and move their own agendas, with the support of family, friends and each other. In FII's first eight years working in Oakland, Hawaii and San Francisco, families have demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness, and have made significant progress in helping themselves and creating a positive ripple effect in their greater communities. Highlights include:In Oakland, FII’s first site, in the first two years:
Average household income increased by 26% Savings increased 144% Nine of 25 families purchased homes in the first two years Average household income increased 20.9% over the first 15 months of the program Among 36 adults, six new businesses were started Out of 16 families, two bought homes
