02.21.02

Senator Cantwell Announces Federal Assistance for Spokane Neighborhood Economic Development Alliance

SPOKANE, WA- U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced today that the Spokane Neighborhood Economic Development Alliance (SNEDA)--whose mission is to undertake cost-effective, sustainable, neighborhood-based economic development and revitalization--will benefit from a federal grant. SNEDA will form a partnership with Spokane's community centers and the nine neighborhoods they serve. The partnership is the first coordinated effort to fight poverty in Spokane by helping to build financial assets of individuals and organizations within the community. Funding will come from the Corporation for National Service's (CNS) Entrepreneur Initiative.

"Having the CNS recognize that Spokane is committed to improving access to jobs and financial services is something we can be proud of," Cantwell said. "The Spokane area's Americorps volunteers who have committed themselves to this project represent a significant investment from the community towards this project."

The federal government will provide grant funding to hire thirteen Americorps Vista volunteers to work on the SNEDA project. SNEDA is the only Entrepreneur Initiative program in the State of Washington, and is one of just 31 such programs nationwide. SNEDA's thirteen Americorps volunteers are the largest group of volunteers awarded to any Entrepreneur Initiative project.

The SNEDA project is expected to lead to increased investment in economically distressed neighborhoods, leading to improved housing, improved employment opportunity, and access to child care and financial services.