Crankstart's $7 Million Grant Fuels Freedom West's Vision for Affordable Housing and Community Development

The Freedom West Community Development Corporation (FWCDC) has received a transformative $7 million grant from the Crankstart Foundation, a San Francisco-based family foundation, to propel the Freedom West 2.0 master development forward. This ambitious project is set to redefine the landscape of the Fillmore District by preserving affordable housing for around 1,000 current residents and introducing a sustainable economic model that benefits future generations. The development plan includes a comprehensive overhaul of a 10-acre site, featuring 515 affordable housing units, 1,500 market-rate housing units, and 80,000 square feet of commercial and retail space, aiming to reduce dependency on government subsidies through innovative revenue-generating strategies.

At the heart of this initiative is the establishment of a STEM workforce and entrepreneurship Innovation Center, designed to equip residents and the wider Fillmore community with essential tech and science-related workforce development tools and entrepreneurial support. This center represents a critical investment in the community's future, offering pathways to high-demand careers and business ownership opportunities. Mattie Scott, FWCDC board President, highlighted the grant's role in safeguarding residents against displacement and fostering long-term economic growth, while Crankstart CEO Missy Narula reaffirmed the foundation's dedication to empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The Freedom West 2.0 project has already been recognized as a blueprint for community-driven economic development, showcased at the Parity Zone Symposium in San Francisco. By documenting and refining its framework, FWCDC aims to inspire and guide similar initiatives across other communities facing housing affordability challenges. Supervisor Bilal Mahmood commended the project for its emphasis on community ownership and self-determination, underscoring its potential to enhance the quality of life for Fillmore/Western Addition residents and preserve the area's cultural heritage.

Collaboration with development partners such as MacFarlane Partners, Avanath Capital Management, and Legacy First Partners, alongside funding from JP Morgan Chase, Low Income Investment Fund, and the City of San Francisco, underscores the collective effort to realize this visionary project. The Freedom West 2.0 development stands as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships and community engagement in addressing the pressing need for affordable housing and economic development in urban areas.