Liberty Economic Empowerment

Liberty Economic Empowerment (LEE) is dedicated to alleviating poverty, combating community deterioration, and advancing economic opportunity in economically distressed and disaster-impacted communities.

We pursue this mission by expanding access to affordable housing, workforce and economic opportunities, small business support, and mission-aligned capital. Through community-based development and strategic partnerships, LEE works to strengthen local economies, create pathways to economic stability and ownership, and ensure that investment and recovery efforts create lasting benefits for the communities they are intended to serve.

Liberty Economic Empowerment (LEE) is a California nonprofit public benefit organization focused on building economic stability and opportunity in economically distressed and disaster-impacted communities, with a particular focus on communities throughout the Los Angeles area.

Our work addresses the interconnected challenges that can prevent individuals, families, and communities from achieving long-term economic stability. LEE develops and supports initiatives across affordable housing, workforce development, community-based economic development, small business support, and access to mission-aligned capital.

Our work includes acquiring, rehabilitating, and developing affordable housing for low-income households; connecting economically disadvantaged individuals to vocational training and employment opportunities; supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs; and partnering with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and other mission-driven lenders to expand access to capital for affordable housing and community-based business initiatives.

LEE also supports communities recovering from disasters and other periods of economic disruption. This includes helping advance housing recovery, economic stabilization, technical assistance, and community rebuilding efforts designed to ensure that recovery reaches residents and businesses most impacted.

As part of the broader Liberty ecosystem, LEE believes economic development should do more than bring investment into a community. It should create opportunities for residents to build economic security, strengthen local businesses, access quality housing and employment, and participate in the long-term prosperity of their communities.