OUR HOUSING MISSION

Sankofa Wellness Center (SWC), Housing Development Benefit Corporation approach to housing strengthens communities and improves the lives of its residents, beginning—but not ending—with affordable housing, and good housing is the foundation for living well. 

SWC has been a mission-driven non-profit that pays close attention to the double-bottom line of financial and social return on investment, always pursuing quality, affordability, and keeping with our core values.

Our Residents

At SWC our accurate measure of success is the difference we make in people's lives. With escalating rents far outpacing wages and fixed incomes, it's tough for families, individuals, and seniors to find affordable places to live. Our residents will range from retail associates, preschool teachers, and restaurant workers to veterans and retirees—all priced out of the housing market.

Our evaluation team launched a survey of  household to understand better the impact of our work on residents' quality of life. In initial findings, our objective's are that  residents moving into a Sankofa housing property will lead to:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Increased sense of safety
• Better access to healthy, affordable food
• Overall improved quality of life

As a non-profit financial intermediary, SWC sources private debt and equity for the predevelopment, preservation, and acquisition of affordable housing and real estate developments that fit Sankofa's holistic focus on improving educational, health, environmental justice and economic opportunities for low-income communities.

Resident & Community Services
Since its inception, SWC has believed that housing with affordable rent should be a stepping stone for advancement. That is why we will provide targeted programs and services for residents of all ages to help them move toward lifelong success. The programs we will offer at SWC properties, will include:

• Programs for children and teens include summer camps, mentoring, homework clubs, and after-school programs.
• Adult programs offered range from English and Swahili as a Second Language to resume workshops and financial literacy.
• Senior programs include brain fitness, health programs, and referrals—support their independence and quality of life.

Sankofa Wellness partners with local first-class agencies and providers in the field to bring programs to residents without charge. We custom our programs directly to resident needs, and we coordinate classes and workshops from a central location, keeping staffing costs lower.  

Evaluation

SWC has created an evaluation department to measure the cumulative impact of high-quality, well-managed affordable housing and services on improving families' and seniors' overall quality of life. Data findings ensure data-informed decision-making for programs and services, real estate programming,, and long-term tracking of economic, social, and health outcomes.

Successfully implemented, SWC program creates housing where residents can get everywhere they need to go without having to drive. This results in cleaner air, healthier lifestyles, and protects current and future generations from the threat of climate change.