More than anything, LEDC believes in the families that it serves: with the right support and resources, they can live in affordable homes, build small businesses, and spark community growth. The only organization providing bilingual wealth-building services in the entire region, it aims to drive the economic and social advancement of low to moderate-income Latino residents. In homeownership counseling, LEDC walks families through each step of buying a house, from credit repair to application packaging; mortgage and foreclosure advising is available for those who are struggling. And by educating and empowering tenants, LEDC helps to prevent displacement and secure housing for very low-income renters. After stability comes growth; and through microloans, financial services, and individual business coaching, it helps aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders compete and thrive. LEDC is all about turning ideas and aspirations into realities – with your help, please.
Headquarters: DC-Ward 1
Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Montgomery County
Age Groups Served: Adult (25-49)
Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Asian American; Caucasian; Latino/Hispanic
Population(s) Served: All; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members
Awards & Recognition
“Small Business Initiative of the Year” at the 2008 Business Premier Awards sponsored by the DC Economic Partnership;
2009 Mayor's Environmental Excellence Award from the DC Department of Environment;
Erick Gutierrez, Regional Housing Director received the Maryland Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs 2009 Hispanic Heritage Award;
Manny Hidalgo, LEDC's Executive Director, is the recipient of the Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman 2009 EXCEL Award for outstanding nonprofit chief executive leadership.
Press
- DC's Latino Home Buyers Scramble to Meet Deadline
Mon Oct 19 2009, WAMU 88.5
An agency helping D.C.'s Latino community jump on the property ladder is shifting into high gear ...
- Wheaton Latino Business Nonprofit Wins Award
Wed Oct 7 2009, Wheaton Gazette
The Maryland Governor's Commission on Hispanic Affairs awarded Erick Gutierrez, a regional housing director ...
- Homeowners Seek Help Navigating Crisis
Wed Oct 7 2009, Wheaton Gazette
Enrique Castellano has to be blunt as he disabuses clients of their myths and misconceptions of homeowner rescue.
- Our Region's 'Underbanked' Communities
Mon Sep 28 2009, The Kojo Nnamdi Show
It's become a staple of low-income neighborhoods across America -- the check-cashing store.
Budget (FY2016)
- The current budget for Latino Economic Development Center is: $3 million or higher
- $1 million to $3 million
- $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
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