Cooperative food and Housing initiative

 

Georgetown University aims to transform low-income communities through cooperative ownership, wealth-building, and sustainable neighborhoods. As part of the Community building broader plan, cooperative Grocery stores focus specifically on providing fresh food access. Our consultancy conducted extensive research on these topics to assist in planning these projects. We aimed to create a comprehensive, community-centered approach. 

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The projects aim to accelerate community wealth-building ventures through cooperative ownership and control, creating ownership opportunities for BIPOC workers and residents. Secondly, they strive to close the racial wealth gap by addressing income, home, and business ownership disparities within low-income and minority communities. Another critical objective is ensuring access to fresh, affordable, culturally relevant food through cooperative grocery stores. Additionally, they seek to develop cooperative housing initiatives to provide stable, secure, and affordable homeownership opportunities. 

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The combined approach involves several strategies. At its core is the cooperative model, which promotes collective ownership, democratic governance, and community-centered solutions. This includes establishing grocery stores owned and operated by community members. A hybrid business structure that combines non-profit and cooperative elements is employed to ensure financial sustainability and community benefits. Community engagement is also crucial, with the formation of Community Advisory Councils and ongoing education on cooperative economics to guide communities on the benefits of cooperative living and to develop fair governance structures. Additionally, the approach emphasizes community building, fostering intentional communities with diverse incomes and occupations, and engaging in collaborative programming with various organizations for workforce development, networking, and business ownership opportunities.​​