Estelita'S Library

“Estelita's Library is requesting funding to support a community-led, multi-year environmental remediation project to develop Estelita's Freedom House and Cultural Center: a cultural hub in Seattle's Beacon Hill neighborhood that will expand our current programming and provide deeply affordable housing for Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. As one of Seatlte's oldest - and most racially diverse - neighborhoods, Beacon Hill is changing rapidly due to exploitative development practices that have increased rents and property costs - displacing many BIPOC and working poor community members. Estelitaa's Library fell victim to the same fate in 2020, when we were displaced from our small rental space in Beacon Hill. Our original location is less than half a mile from the new community home we're developing. We are also embarking on a multi-phased community organizing strategy to create a replicable model of turning contaminated sites into community assets. We are working across systemic levels to secure funding, navigating complex city zoning requirements, facilitating community workshops on land restoration and remediation, and organizing community advisory groups to advise the project. Ultimately, we will host teachbacks, create educational materials, and support other community groups through the steps needed to acquire, remediate, and revitalize similar sites - turning them into cultural assets that contribute to larger equity-driven land projects.”

“All board members reviewed the form and had the opportunity to ask questions prior to filing.”

“Edwin Lindo and Estell Williams are spouses.”

“These documents are made available to the public upon request.”

“There are no committees.”