Newsletter

This month, several National CAPACD staff were privileged to be on Oahu to deepen our understanding of the community development issues that are most important to Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) community leaders from across the country. It was our honor to be in community with:

Thank you to Pakini Loan Fund and Waianae Economic Development Council for hosting us in Waianae. ‘A’ali’i Alliance and Sustainable Capital Advisors facilitated a session where leaders from our network discussed the importance of supporting climate resilience and strategies for adaptation in NHPI communities. The information shared during this discussion is part of National CAPACD's joint research for the Climate Change Capacity Building Assessment, which includes our partners at UnidosUS and the National Urban League.

We also wish to thank the leaders of Kula no na Po`e Hawaii, who hosted our group at the Papakolea homestead for a presentation and discussion on National CAPACD's policy platform, followed by a listening session regarding each respective organization's policy priorities. Input from local leaders on how to increase the platform’s relevance to NHPI community needs is critical to meaningful federal advocacy moving forward.

The opportunity to tour Waianae and Papakolea, and learn about the incredible work of each participating organization from across the country was truly inspiring. Most fulfilling was the time spent nurturing relationships so that we may continue to support one another in the months and years to come.

National CAPACD extends deep care and solidarity with communities impacted by the deadly wildfires that have devastated Southern California. Tens of thousands of residents have been displaced and are suffering from the environmental harms caused by the wildfires, and thousands of structures have been destroyed. 

National CAPACD has compiled a working list of resources and places to donate, which includes:

If there are other resources or relief efforts that you would like us to include, please share them by emailing membership@nationalcapacd.org.

Here's what you need to know about National CAPACD's policy work this month:

National CAPACD, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and UnidosUS published a housing brief with The Pew Charitable Trusts. The brief highlights that large majorities of Americans across races and ethnicities support state and local policies that would permit the construction of more diverse types of homes to help lower costs. 

Applications are now open for National CAPACD’s 2025 Our Neighborhoods Peer Learning Program. This program provides a virtual space where participants working in community-based organizations (CBOs) can support one another to overcome challenges in organizing low-income Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities around issues of gentrification and displacement.

A virtual information session about the program will be held on February 11 at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT. To register, click here.

Application deadline: February 26

Vimala Phongsavanh (she/her) joins National CAPACD as the Managing Director of Coalition Mobilization. With over 15 years of experience in organizing and policy advocacy, Vimala has championed winning campaigns on reproductive freedom, voting rights, data equity, and ballot initiatives. She began her career organizing in Boston’s Chinatown and Rhode Island’s Southeast Asian community. She previously served as Organizing Director at the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center. Vimala was an elected school committee member and chairwoman in Woonsocket, RI, and currently chairs the Laotian American National Alliance (LANA). She holds a BA in Political Science from Providence College and an MPA from the University of Rhode Island.

ONCF, a non-profit affiliate of National CAPACD, is currently hiring for the following position: