Faster access to smarter money
Our low-interest flexible loans get to work right away, without the one-size-fits-all limitations that hold local projects back.
About
The We Lift Catalyst Fund accelerates affordable housing with funding designed specifically for our region
The Coachella Valley and Riverside County need more affordable homes fast, but too many local projects get stuck behind traditional financing options that don't support the types of developments our communities need. The We Lift Catalyst Fund changes that.
Mission & Vision
What we do
Launched in 2021, the We Lift Catalyst Fund was created by Lift to Rise in partnership with Riverside County, the Low Income Investment Fund, and the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC). The Fund brings together leaders and local voices from across the spectrum—includes nonprofits, community members, elected officials, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and national foundations—to support affordable housing projects countywide.
Through low-interest, flexible loans, we fill the spaces traditional funding doesn’t reach, ramping up construction on housing everywhere communities need it most.
Through low-interest, flexible loans, we fill the spaces traditional funding doesn’t reach, ramping up construction on housing everywhere communities need it most.
Why we do it
State and federal funds are typically designed for denser, more urban areas, leaving Riverside County projects without the money they need.
With over 60% of locals having to choose between paying bills, groceries, or rent—our housing crisis can’t wait.
The We Lift Catalyst Fund offers loans specifically for local housing developments, creating more affordable homes faster.
With over 60% of locals having to choose between paying bills, groceries, or rent—our housing crisis can’t wait.
The We Lift Catalyst Fund offers loans specifically for local housing developments, creating more affordable homes faster.
Design
We build different because we’re built different
Our diverse coalition means we can work in ways most funds can’t to knock down the biggest barriers that keep affordable homes from getting built.
Rooted in the region but built to scale
We created our model to support the housing our region needs, then we made it flexible enough for other regions to make the model their own.
More buy-in and fewer roadblocks
We bring together public and private partners, community groups, developers, and more, so good projects have the support and momentum to get moving.
Leadership
The people behind the Fund
Our work is fueled by the entire Lift to Rise team, alongside fellow housing experts, financial partners, community advocates, mission-driven organizations, and local leaders working together to jumpstart affordable housing across the region.
Kenny Rodgers
Low Income Investment Fund
Fund Manager, We Lift Catalyst Fund
Fund Manager, We Lift Catalyst Fund
Matt Horton
Lift to Rise Board Chair
Community Advisory Committee
Community Advisory Committee
Ian Gabriel
Lift to Rise Executive Director
Heather Vaikona
Lift to Rise Founder and Senior Advisor
Michael F. Walsh
Riverside County Housing & Workforce Solutions
Community Advisory Committee
Community Advisory Committee
Agustin Arreola
Coachella Resident
Community Advisory Committee
Community Advisory Committee
Joe Mota
Lift to Rise Deputy Director
Ariel Tolefree-Williams
Palm Springs Resident
Community Advisory Committee
Community Advisory Committee
Melanie Steele
Inland SoCal Housing Collective
Community Advisory Committee
Community Advisory Committee
Deiter Crawford
Desert Highland Gateway Estates
Community Advisory Committee
Community Advisory Committee
Ariana Rodriguez
Lift to Rise Associate Director of Power Building
Celeste Flores
Lift to Rise Associate Director of Policy & Collective Impact
Sarah Jamal-Eddine
Lift to Rise Grant Specialist
Bryan Sanchez
Lift to Rise Resident Engagement Coordinator
Christie Rivera
Lift to Rise Administrative and Operations Associate
Vanessa Ramirez
Affordable Housing Pipeline Coordinator
Leadership
The partners behind the Fund
Lift to Rise
Lift to Rise is a countywide coalition of over 90 partners, including local governments, private businesses, community groups, and residents working together to create more affordable housing in the Coachella Valley and beyond.
Riverside County Department of Housing & Workforce Solutions
Riverside County Department of Housing & Workforce Solutions (HWS) elevates social and economic opportunity across the region through housing support, job training, and homelessness services.
Low Income Investment Fund
The Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) is a leading community development financial institution (CDFI) expanding affordable housing and strengthening communities across the country.
Rural Community Assistance Corporation
The Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) helps rural and Indigenous communities across the West access the housing, resources, and economic opportunity they need to build long-term stability.
Contact
When we lift together, we rise together
Affordable housing takes builders, backers, and partners. Wherever you fit in, the We Lift Catalyst Fund gives you a way to make an impact.
