Looking out her apartment window down bustling Mission Street — the lifeblood of the neighborhood for decades — Luz can see family-serving businesses, community-based organizations and cultural institutions. Such Mission District resources are vital: Not only can Luz find her beloved foods from back in Mexico, but there are organizations that offer assistance with immigration rights — a service she sought in the past. W H AT T H E F U T U R E H A S I N S T O R E 5 PLACE MEDA uses a powerful combination of technical assistance, one-on-one coaching and a community lending arm to keep the Mission’s commercial corridors strong for Latino and immigrant owners. In 2018, there were 93 businesses created or expanded, and 131 job placements for community members. In addition, since its launch in fall 2015 until the end of 2018, MEDA’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Fondo Adelante, disbursed 75 low-interest loans totaling $2.26 million, offering access to capital to those who cannot get financing from traditional lenders. The majority of loan recipients are immigrants, at 75 percent, and there has been less than a 2 percent default rate. As part of MEDA’s real estate strategy, there have been 23 businesses kept in place because of purchases of apartment buildings, featuring first-floor commercial spaces, via the City’s Small Sites Program. Plus, 9 longtime, Mission-based organizations, early care and education centers, and arts organizations are slated to have permanent homes in MEDA’s new construction developments. The multifaceted strategy outlined serves to ensure that The Mission is a strong and supportive community for Latino residents, businesses and institutions. Such community development is needed in low-income immigrant neighborhoods across the United States, as a means to foster Latino wealth and power-building. 16