Ground Blessing at Ola Ka 'Ilima Artspace Lofts, 2018. Photo by Andrew Wright.
Artspace depends on working with local and national allies, all striving towards a common goal, to meet our mission. Artspace’s indicators as a healthy organization, from the evidence of impact in communities we serve and our clear evaluation methods and metrics, to the reputation of our team and strong board leadership, have enabled us to partner with a wide network of philanthropic foundations.
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation is one such transformational partner. Grounded in a legacy of caring with a belief that stable housing provides a foundation for individuals, children, and families to lead healthy and productive lives, the Foundation has made major capital investments in two Artspace developments: the Ola Ka ‘Ilima Artspace Lofts, in the Kaka‘ako neighborhood of Honolulu, HI, and Pullman Artspace Lofts, in the historic National Monument Pullman district of Chicago, IL. In Honolulu, we are developing 84 units of affordable housing with 12 units specifically set aside for people experiencing homelessness; while in Chicago, we are developing 38 units of affordable housing with six units of supportive veteran housing. Both of these Artspace developments closely align with the Foundation’s giving priorities, while the geographic areas represent two of the Foundation’s priority communities.
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, one of the 50 largest private charitable foundations in the United States, is dedicated to meeting the basic needs of people experiencing poverty. In 2019, the Foundation will provide approximately $125 million in grants to nonprofits, primarily in the US and Israel, that provide direct services in the areas of Housing, Health, Jobs, Education, and Community Services. Grants focus on supporting organizations that serve specific populations, including older adults, women and children at risk, people with disabilities, and veterans, as well as the Jewish community. The Foundation administers the majority of its funding in its priority communities: Baltimore, Chicago, Hawai‘i, Israel, New York City, Northeastern Pennsylvania, San Francisco, and Rural Communities (primarily rural areas within proximity to other priority communities). These areas are hometowns representing personal ties to the life and legacy of Harry Weinberg, as well as cities where Weinberg Foundation trustees reside and provide leadership.
“The work of Artspace aligns with the Foundation’s priority to create more units of supportive housing for vulnerable people,” said Amy Kleine, Weinberg Foundation Senior Program Director “We provided funding to these two projects because of their focus on specific populations of interest to the Foundation: families who have experienced homelessness and veterans.”
The challenges we face to make our communities healthier, safer, and stronger, while improving the lives of low-income and vulnerable people, are formidable. They require commitment and partnership across sectors. Artspace is deeply honored to have The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation as a partner in the long-term success and sustainability of the Pullman Artspace Lofts and Ola Ka ‘Ilima Artspace Lofts and the communities that they serve of low-income people, veterans, people who have previously experienced homelessness, and creative individuals.