Helping create communities where people thrive.
The year 2024 has been another hugely successful year for CCLF! A total of over $31 million in loans were closed creating or preserving affordable housing and jobs or improving nonprofit facilities and supporting social enterprises. There were 38 loans closed with borrowers who developed 534 units of housing and 122,615 square feet of commercial… Read more »
“It’s so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.” Whether you know this song from the 1975 movie Cooley High or the Boyz II Men version in the 90s, the meaning hits home for me now as I turn the page on my almost 30-year career working for Chicago Community Loan Fund. I started out as… Read more »
There are a few things in life that people should never have to worry about…food…shelter…healthcare. Unfortunately, in this country and in the city of Chicago, all three can have impediments to access for many residents in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Food deserts pose a hinderance to having fresh food within a reasonable distance of people’s homes. Mounting… Read more »
The Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF) is a 33-year-old Community Development Financial Institution and 26 of those 33 years, it was led by Calvin L. Holmes. After a long and successful career in community development, Calvin has decided to depart the house that he helped build. The CCLF board has appointed Bob Tucker as its… Read more »
Over 70 investors, funders, supporters, and staff joined the Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF) on Thursday, May 23, 2024, for the Annual Stakeholders Meeting at the Wintrust Conference Center in the Loop, which was the second in-person Stakeholders Meeting since the pandemic. CCLF President, Calvin Holmes, welcomed attendees and recognized that the growth of the… Read more »
CCLF had an incredibly fast start to 2024, originating and closing millions of dollars in loans in the first quarter and advancing important new developments in the communities we serve. Although the work is fast paced, constantly evolving, and always exciting, pausing for a moment and reflecting on CCLF’s past year of work is important…. Read more »
Living in a big city can be expensive. Apartments in Chicago are at a premium, especially in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park on Chicago’s North Side. The average studio apartment in Lincoln Park goes for approximately $1,189.00 to $1,378/month for around 398 Sq. Ft. according to various rental property websites. However, a new apartment building has… Read more »
2023 was a banner year for CCLF! When the books were closed, our numbers showed that it was our best year, ever! At the start of the year, we set high goals, and the hard work of our entire team allowed us to end the year with a total of 31 loans for over $42.6… Read more »
Recently, CCLF was honored with a financial award from the ShoreBank Alumni Planning Committee after the 50th Anniversary Celebration of ShoreBank’s founding. In conjunction with ShoreBank’s donation, Faith-Walk Church International and Senior Pastor, Dwayne D. Brown, bestowed upon CCLF an additional contribution. According to ShoreBank Alumni Planning Committee member, Kim Jones, Vice President Director of… Read more »
Senator Dick Durbin has served in government since 1983 and in the U.S. Senate since 1997. He is currently the Democratic Whip, which is the second highest office in the U.S. Senate. Issues of equity and fairness for all Americans have always been the focus of his public service. The largest city in Senator Durbin’s… Read more »
On an exceptionally warm day in November, CCLF hosted a group of engaged Tulsa, Oklahoma residents interested in creating a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) on a tour of community development projects financed by Chicago’s CDFI community. Chicago CDFI leaders hosting the group included Calvin Holmes, President, CCLF; Vickie Lakes-Battle, Executive Director – Chicago Metro… Read more »