Overview
LISC Houston helps build strong neighborhoods where families can thrive. We work with real people to understand what they need—good jobs, safe homes, and healthy communities. We listen to families first. We partner with neighbors to find real solutions that work for everyone. Our approach looks at the whole picture. A family might need help with saving money, finding affordable housing, getting paid fairly, or staying safe during storms. We work across generations. When parents get support, kids benefit too. We believe in building from what already exists in Houston's communities. We bring people together—families, local organizations, and partners—to make neighborhoods better places to live, work, and raise kids.
Why it matters
Money is power. But the rules around wages, housing costs, benefits, and taxes were written by people — and people can change them. Knowing what resources exist, what you're entitled to, and what's being decided right now is where economic agency begins. You don't have to navigate this alone.
“LISC Houston builds strong communities by listening to families and creating real opportunities together.”
Who this is for
You're trying to make ends meet
Find financial assistance, job resources, and benefit programs available where you are.
You want to get ahead financially
Understand training programs, credit-building, and asset-building opportunities in your city.
You're navigating a financial crisis
Find emergency resources and practical help for rent, utilities, food, and other urgent needs.
What the data shows
Go deeper
LISC draws on our local roots, national breadth, strong partnerships, and comprehensive set of programs, products and services to pursue inclusive economic development at three basic levels:
People First: We use a human-centered and community-centered approach putting the families at the center to understand their needs as a whole - breaking the silo of how we look at Houston’s greatest systemic barriers. Understanding fully, each family may be faced with multiple barriers, such as lack of liquid assets, affordable housing, livable wage, and living in a neighborhood more prone to natural and public-health disasters. Community-Based: Our methodology is rooted in the evidenced based practice of comprehensive place-based community development – working in partnership with the families and their communities to foster solutions using a two-generational approach. We put the family’s barriers in the context of the community to build more healthy, safe, and resilient communities with access to good schools, healthcare, job opportunities, business development opportunities, healthy food, transportation, and housing. Seed Investments: LISC’s seed capital for demonstration projects, introduction of evidence-based program models, delivery of technical assistance, and offering of our trademark industry- recognized tools to transfer knowledge has influenced and created the foundation for Houston’s sound affordable housing and workforce development work.
Financial Opportunity Center® (FOC) Network: Launched 2010, LISC's FOC network is a nationally recognized, evidence-based, integrated service delivery model helps individuals increase credit, savings, and income while reducing debt and building long-term wealth and assets. Services bundle of workforce development/career growth, financial coaching, access to financial products, and access to income supports have moved over 8,500 people to financial stability. Read More.
Verizon Small Business Digital Readiness Program: Empowering Houston Entrepreneurs for the Future Are you ready to take your small business to the next level? The Verizon Small Business Digital Readiness Program offers local entrepreneurs and small business owners the tools, resources, and expert guidance needed to thrive in today’s digital world. This program includes tailored workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and even $10,000 grant opportunities to help your business grow. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, this program addresses the unique challenges small businesses face, from digital transformation to customer acquisition. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to build a stronger future for your business! Click here to discover how VSBDR can help your business succeed.
Growth Capital, Loans and Training Through Abbot-LISC Initiative: Focus on the healthcare supply chain by creating the capacity of small business owners providing manufacturing and essential products for healthcare companies to access the resources they need to compete, grow and create jobs. Read More.