[Atlanta, March 8, 2024] – Focused Community Strategies (FCS), a network member of Purpose Built Communities, proudly participated in Hill Day in Washington, D.C. This historic event brought together more than 25 nationwide Network Members and Purpose Built representatives to engage with key decision-makers on Capitol Hill.
During Hill Day, FCS had the privilege of meeting with the offices of Senators Warnock and Ossoff, as well as representatives from Alabama, where they discussed the work of Purpose Built Communities and the network members from Georgia and Alabama. The meetings focused on relationship building and project funding requests, as well as strategically elevating the profile of Purpose Built activity in Georgia and Alabama.
FCS’ advocacy efforts emphasized policy priorities, e.g., capacity-building grants for economic mobility, affordable housing protection, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit expansion, demonstrating their commitment to driving positive change within their community and beyond.
“We were honored to meet with the offices of Senator Warnock, Senator Ossoff, and Representative Bishop of Georgia, as well as Senator Tuberville, Senator Britt, and Representatives Palmer and Sewell of Alabama. Our goal was to share the impactful work FCS, East Lake Foundation, Grove Park Foundation, The Mill District (Columbus, GA), and Woodlawn United (Birmingham, AL) are doing to transform our communities. This Hill Day has provided a unique platform to advocate for policies that will enhance our mission and make a lasting impact,” said Jim Wehner, President at FCS.
As part of Purpose Built’s collaborative effort, Jim Wehner, Ilham Askia of East Lake Foundation, Gavin McGuire of Grove Park Foundation, Lauren Chambers of The Mill District, Mashonda Taylor of Woodlawn United, and Michelle Mathews of Purpose Built Communities had the opportunity to hone and refine their message with the guidance of Purpose Built experts, ensuring effective communication during these crucial engagements.
“It’s inspiring to see the power of the collective voice,” said Purpose Built CEO Carol Naughton. “We are witnessing on-the-ground community leaders come together and speak up for change that will make a real difference in the communities where they live and work. And by doing it together, the ripple effect can have a far-reaching impact.”
Purpose Built Communities is a nationwide network that works with dynamic local leaders to cultivate and nourish an ecosystem of high-capacity, collaborative partners who invest directly in community-led projects that uplift the legacy and support the vision of the people who have long called that neighborhood home.
