LAKE FOREST, CA – Clearinghouse CDFI, a mission‐based lending institution serving California and Nevada, announced Food on Foot today as the winner of the CDFI Challenge ‐ a unique opportunity developed by Clearinghouse CDFI for California nonprofits to share their stories online.
Clearinghouse CDFI also made another announcement today – an additional $9,000 commitment, or $1,000 each, to the nine nonprofit finalists whose organizations provide critical services throughout California. Along with a $1,000 donation which will be made on behalf of the charity drawing winner, Clearinghouse CDFI will provide a total of $20,000 through the CDFI Challenge in support of California nonprofit organizations.
Doug Bystry, Clearinghouse CDFI President/CEO says his organization offered the CDFI Challenge to give California nonprofits an opportunity to share their stories and gain mission awareness.
“Supporting impactful nonprofits is what we do as a CDFI – provide community development where it is most needed,” says Mr. Bystry. Clearinghouse CDFI launched the CDFI Challenge in April of this year, inviting California nonprofit organizations to submit their stories at www.cdfichallenge.com for an opportunity to boost mission awareness and win $10,000.
The public response was tremendous. During the three week public voting period, over 30,000 votes were cast online in support of the 10 nonprofit finalists. The winner of the CDFI Challenge, Los Angeles‐based nonprofit Food on Foot, provides the poor and homeless community with healthy meals, clothing and job opportunities through a network of over 1,000 volunteers. For over 18 years and 910 weekends, they have never missed a meal.
The “Work for Food” program, developed by Food on Foot to “turn tax burdens into tax payers”, directly addresses the homeless issue – It graduates at least 20 employed, completely independent workers each year. The Food on Foot delivery model is entirely unique. Volunteers are actually charged to serve food under a zero‐tolerance no‐show policy. As a result, volunteers have a 95% show‐up rate and make direct connections with the people they seek to help.
