About National CAPACD

Posted on April 29, 2011, 2:45pm

The National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD) is the first national advocacy organization dedicated to addressing the housing, community and economic development needs of diverse and growing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.

National CAPACD Board Visits Kanuikapono School in Anahola, HI Rep Nancy Pelosi meets with National CAPACD

National CAPACD was founded in 1999 by established community development practitioners to be a voice for the community development needs of AAPI communities and to strengthen the capacity of community based organizations to create neighborhoods of hope and opportunities. In February 2010, National CAPACD was designated as the first and only AAPI-serving HUD housing counseling intermediary.

National CAPACD’s member-based network includes more than 100 community-based organizations and individuals, including community development corporations, preservation agencies, community-based social service providers, advocacy agencies, as well as national intermediaries and financial institutions. Our members are in 17 states, implementing innovative affordable housing, community development and community organizing strategies to improve the well-being of low-income AAPIs.

Mission

National CAPACD’s mission is to be a powerful voice for the unique community development needs of AAPI communities and to strengthen the capacity of community-based organizations to create neighborhoods of hope and opportunity.

What We Do

National CAPACD works cohesively to address core issues affecting AAPI communities through four key strategies:

Capacity-Building: increasing access to training, technical assistance and other resources for organizations serving low-income AAPI neighborhoods

Community Convenings: bringing our members together to learn, network, share resources and mobilize on community development issues

Advocacy, Policy and Research: telling our stories through research and policy to increase the influence of AAPI communities in obtaining equitable resources

Leadership Development: building a pipeline of AAPI leaders and change agents working in housing, community and economic development.

Who We Serve

National CAPACD was established to support nonprofit organizations working in economically distressed AAPI communities where AAPIs struggle with linguistic isolation, low educational attainment, poverty, high housing costs, housing overcrowding, and low homeownership rates. In 2000, 39% of AAPIs were limited English proficient (LEP) compared to 8% of the total United States population. LEP and low education levels constrain employment options for many AAPI immigrants and refugees forcing them into low-wage work. Poverty rates among immigrant and refugee Asian Americans in inner city neighborhoods and Pacific Islanders are higher than the national average.