NBA Star LeBron James Launches Affordable Housing Initiative
June 16, 2023
The LeBron James Family Foundation is expanding its impact across his hometown Akron, Ohio community in the US. This week the Foundation launched its "I PROMISE Housing" development program. The four time NBA MVP and Los Angeles Lakers star has worked to narrow the educational and equity gap in Akron through his Foundation since 2004 and this latest venture will create safe, affordable and supportive spaces for local students and families to thrive in.
In partnership with the East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation (EANDC), the I PROMISE Housing development features a 50 unit complex, including two, three and four-bedroom apartments that will have access to fiber-optic Wi-Fi and fitness spaces. Some of the homes are designed for those with mobility and sensory needs. “Young people who have a quality place to live are better students and become better citizens in our community,” said Dan DeVille, vice chair of EANDC.
The new initiative is an extension of the Foundation’s existing I PROMISE School on Market Street in Akron which launched in 2018. In partnership with Akron public schools, I PROMISE School serves more than 1,400 students providing them with educational programs, support and mentors. The Foundation has worked to ensure that children attending his schools have the means to prosper, such as daily meals, tuition-free colleges and job security for their families. The latest effort intends to go beyond the classroom and ensure that students have a safe space to thrive and grow, impacting the next generation in an area that influences them the most – at home.
Akron has the highest number of evictions per year in Ohio – with many of those facing eviction living at or below the poverty line with at least one child. James has spoken about growing up in Akron and facing instability at home, which was replicated in his academic life. According to Ohio Housing Finance Agency, housing instability can lead to low scores and poor graduation rates and students experiencing homelessness are more likely to be held back, miss classes, fail courses, face disciplinary and drop out.
Additionally, the Foundation’s I PROMISE Village, which has provided transitional housing for families who need it, will now provide those communities with a permanent place to live. Since 2019, the Village has offered immediate shelter for students and their families who are facing challenges such as homelessness and domestic violence, so that the kids are still able to attend school.
“It’s surreal because the thought that we were able to bring housing to this neighborhood, you can’t even imagine. If you know Akron, you know what this corner was. It was nothing here that we would have thought would be able to support something so big,” said Shannon Shippe, director of Housing for the Foundation who explains that the new housing units will include all the resources and support that I PROMISE has to offer.
The Foundation and EANDC will provide support to tenants, including job and family services, medical and mental healthcare, educational and career advancement training and financial literacy. So far, 17 families have been approved for the housing initiative and applications are still being accepted.
“LeBron always says leave a place better than when you found it. This is a way of not only doing that but inspiring all our families and everyone to do the same,” said James’ mother, Gloria James at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the housing project. “Today, we say welcome home.”
Source: News 5 Cleveland