Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance
Held Partners with Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance to Launch Guaranteed Income Program
We're excited to announce our newest partnership with Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance (LNA) to transform their existing gift card program into a structured guaranteed income initiative. This collaboration represents another step forward in our mission to change lives through the power of guaranteed income, while supporting LNA's vital work in one of Charlotte's most economically challenged communities.
About Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance
28208 is the most impoverished zip code in Charlotte, NC. For children born in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty in this zip code, like Lakeview, they face less than a 5% chance of working their way out of poverty. Despite a strong sense of community, many Lakeview residents lack the resources to withstand the financial, physical, and emotional impacts of living in concentrated poverty. The majority of families have no financial cushion to rely on when paychecks stop, creating an atmosphere of fear and survival that makes community engagement difficult.
Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance's mission is to engage the residents of Lakeview, educate them on opportunities and connect them to resources, while advocating for Lakeview's growth and empowerment.
The Partnership
Starting in February 2025, we began working with LNA to provide 25 residents of the Lakeview neighborhood with $100 monthly for a full year. This guaranteed income will reach community members who have demonstrated financial need and are already connected to LNA's existing support network.
Unlike the previous gift card program that limited where funds could be spent, participants will receive reloadable GiveCards that can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. This flexibility allows recipients to address their unique needs and priorities—whether that's groceries, transportation, education, or other essential expenses.
Why Guaranteed Income in Lakeview?
Held and LNA believe that people know best what they need. Guaranteed income provides the dignity of choice along with the stability of consistent support. This approach is particularly vital in Lakeview, where residents face significant economic challenges and the neighborhood is at serious risk of gentrification and forced displacement.
When families are in "survival mode," it's nearly impossible to engage meaningfully in community planning or to make long-term decisions. By providing guaranteed income, we can help residents:
Meet immediate basic needs
Reduce financial stress
Create space for planning beyond day-to-day survival
Build trust and community engagement
Participate more fully in decisions affecting their neighborhood's future
This partnership demonstrates how Held can help community organizations like LNA transform their desire to provide financial assistance into effective guaranteed income programs without the administrative burden. It directly supports LNA's work to move residents out of survival mode and into engagement, education, and empowerment.
