Guided by a vision of a nation where persistent poverty no longer exists, six regional Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) located in and serving regions with a high prevalence of persistent poverty came together. Communities Unlimited, come build | come dream, Fahe, Oweesta Corporation, HOPE Credit Union and Enterprise Corporation, and Rural Community Assistance Corporation - formed a coalition, called the Partners for Rural Transformation (PRT). We represent the nation's rural persistent poverty counties and have records of accomplishment spanning decades. With a shared ethos of investing in both people and places and informed by the voices of local people, we seek to unify around opportunities in diverse communities at a time of great division in our nation. A closer look at persistent poverty America reveals how structural exclusion by place and race continues to paint a picture that is steadfastly rural and marred by racial inequity. These challenges are exacerbated by a history of disinvestment. However, our organizations have long track records of rising to such challenges - as CDFIs, we are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of local people and places. With headquarters in the Mississippi Delta, Appalachia, Native American communities, the Deep South, the Rio Grande Valley and regions in the Rural West, our steering committee has a unique lens on the range of challenges these communities face and deep connections with diverse local leaders who are dedicated to creating change.
