Community Reinvestment in Action: Take Up the Cause

Spokane Workforce Council recently awarded $15,000 to Take Up the Cause (TUTC) as part of the first round of the Business Investment Grants (BIG Opportunity), supported by the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Project.

As stated in their mission, “Take Up the Cause is a nonprofit organization formed to bring service-enriched affordable housing to Spokane. The Cause we Take Up is to uplift and stabilize the Spokane community, to help residents take control of their lives by taking the next step from homelessness to renting, from renting to ownership, and from ownership to supporting others in their community.”

Bianka DeSure, Program Coordinator at Spokane Workforce Council, recently met with Chauncy Jones, Executive Director of Take Up the Cause, to discuss the organization’s origins. Chauncy shared that this journey began when he received two important phone calls: one from his brother-in-law, who expressed a desire to make a difference in Spokane, and another from the late Sandy Williams -founder of the Black Lens newspaper and Executive Director of the Carl Maxey Center-who identified a critical need for black-owned housing in Spokane County. Thus, Take Up the Cause was born.

Take Up the Cause’s impact extends far beyond the provision of housing; it serves as a catalyst for broader community transformation. As Chauncy Jones stated, “The root determines the fruit.” Take Up the Cause is not just planting seeds; they are nurturing the very foundation upon which a thriving community can grow. By stepping beyond the safety of conventional partnerships and taking risks, the organization has expanded its reach to 92 affordable housing units, each one representing a tangible improvement in the lives of Spokane residents.

Bianka DeSure says: “Partnering with Take Up the Cause is a remarkable opportunity that allows us to make a significant impact in our community. By utilizing Community Reinvestment funds from the Washington Department of Commerce to support critical operational needs for this organization such as technology and strategic planning, we are supporting initiatives that drive meaningful change. A collaboration between Spokane Workforce Council and Take Up the Cause highlights the importance of working together with community organizations that are deeply embedded in our communities. Partnerships such as these enable us to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard to ensure their needs and concerns are addressed. Take Up the Cause has a proven track record of advocating for social justice and empowering individuals to create a positive impact in their lives and the lives of others. Through this partnership, we not only contribute to the growth and success of Take Up the Cause but also demonstrate the SWC’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable community. This collaboration is a testament to the power of collective action and shared vision in driving progress and making a lasting difference.”

Take Up the Cause was created through the power of relationships. They got their chance because the right people believed in them and made the calls. Chauncy mentioned the importance of challenging the status quo of routine partnerships and highlights a deeper commitment to community well-being. Rather than remaining comfortable with familiar collaborations, Take Up the Cause embraces the opportunity to take bold actions. This dedication to making a real difference is an investment in our community’s future.

Chauncy joined us on a recent Workforce Wednesday episode to share more about Take Up the Cause. This series, in partnership with Fox 28 Spokane, is designed to keep the community informed and connected with the services, resources, and support available at our WorkSource Spokane One-Stop Campus and WorkSource Connection Sites.