Carol's Message
Dear Friends,
Well, here we are: more than two months into 2005 and 5 years since I first joined CIHA “temporarily” as Acting CEO. Time really does fly when you’re having fun.
I’ve loved every year of my time with CIHA, and I’m proud of all the things we’ve accomplished. However, 2004 was particularly rewarding. It was really a year of “firsts” for CIHA.
We offered our first loans through our non-profit affiliate, NaQenq’a Community Development Financing, Inc. These included second mortgages, as well as home improvement loan products offered in partnership with the Municipality of Anchorage. The new programs helped us expand our services, expand our client base and build the capacity of NaQenq’a, which in turn assisted us in attaining Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certification from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
It was also a big year of new community partnerships. We began construction on the new Brother Francis Shelter and of course we launched Phase I of CIHA’s neighborhood revitalization plan in Mountain View – a project which is part of a synergistic effort by Mountain View residents and other local housing organizations to make this historic Anchorage community a neighborhood of choice rather than a neighborhood of last resort.
These represent some key highlights in the scheme of CIHA’s 2004 achievements, and through the strength, dedication, support and hard work of CIRI, our Commissioners, partners and staff, 2005 promises to bring many more incredible opportunities for us to better serve our deserving clients.
Thanks to all of you for your ongoing support.
Carol