CDFI Helps Domestic Violence Survivor Move from Homelessness to Homeownership
Client: Lakesha Davis, Owner of Lovingkindness AFH LLC
Client Location: Racine, WI
CDFI: Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)
CDFI Service Area: WI
Financing and technical assistance, with support from the Grow with Google Small Business Fund and Google.org Grant Program
After fleeing domestic violence and successfully moving from homelessness to homeownership, Lakesha Davis wanted to help others on a similar journey. She wanted to provide them with an experience different from the transitional centers she spent time in. With a loan from WWBIC, Lakesha founded Lovingkindness AFH to create a place of refuge for those seeking help from a desperate situation. Today Lovingkindness is a transitional, shared living home aimed at reducing homelessness and addressing a lack of affordable housing. It offers safe, affordable co-living housing that is fully furnished with all utilities paid.
In addition to a loan, WWBIC also provided a series of classes that helped Lakesha create a business plan, pitch her business with confidence, learn Quickbooks, develop relationships with mentors and consultants, and connect with other resources. She plans to scale her business to own 25 percent of the homes within a five block radius of its current location, and then to expand to other states.
“When I started my first class with WWBIC, I was a big pile of mush and that was okay. My head was full of uncertainty but as I followed the step-by-step instructions things begin to get clearer,” said Lakesha. “Not only did I learn how business works, I also learned self-confidence. I learned how to believe in myself and get others on board with my idea. If you are serious about becoming a business owner WWBIC is the way to go. They have truly turned my business dream into reality.”