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Some places feed you. Some places feel like home. The Comfort Zone does both. Tucked in Columbia City, this soul food restaurant isn’t just known for what’s on the plate. It’s known for how it makes people feel. Warm. Welcomed. Taken care of. Founded by a mother-daughter team, The Comfort Zone was built on family, tradition, and recipes passed down with love. Every dish tells a story. From crispy fried chicken to smothered pork chops, collard greens, and cornbread, it’s the k

One thing that happens after Labor Day is that there is a crescendo of activities and momentum building toward the end of the year. At the Fund, some of our experience of that velocity is because of our clients and their entrepreneurship across sectors and across our community. And, as we expand our programs to West Seattle, where Link light rail is imposing challenges upon individuals and businesses, we are busy proving there what we proved together here, with you – that com

As we look back on this year, we’re filled with gratitude—for our community, our partners, and our growing team. Together, we continue to strengthen the ecosystem that supports small businesses and builds economic power across our city. Welcome to Our New Team Members We’re thrilled to welcome two incredible additions to our team: Christine Buckley, Business Operations and Technical Assistance Program Manager (supported by JPMorgan Chase), and Tonieh Thompson, Office Coordina

West Coast Autobody LLC has been a trusted part of Rainier Valley for nearly 30 years, helping drivers get back on the road with quality repairs and care. Led by Ernie Rogers Jr., whose journey started in his father’s garage at just 11 years old, the shop combines decades of experience with a commitment to doing the job right every time.

Thank you for joining us at the Grand Opening of RVCDF’s new office on August 21, 2025! We are grateful to have shared this milestone with so many community members, partners, and supporters. Since our founding in 2000, RVCDF has been committed to serving Rainier Valley and beyond by providing responsible lending to small businesses and residents who have traditionally been left out of the financial system. What began as mitigation work during the arrival of light rail has gr

A Rainier Valley staple serving bold, Southern-inspired seafood with a Northwest twist, Emerald City Fish & Chips brings real flavor, tradition, and community to every plate.

Additional capabilities strengthen client services, product development, community connections SEATTLE, WA – The Rainier Valley Community Development Fund (RVCDF, the Fund) has added two new business professionals to its team, increasing operational capacity and strengthening its ability to serve its clients and community. The Fund is a self-sustaining, community-controlled financial institution (CDFI) dedicated to promoting community development, cultural vibrancy and econom

Kebena Ethiopian Restaurant brings the flavors of East Africa to Seattle’s Rainier Valley. Founded by husband-and-wife team Belete Gulelat and Muna Tadese, the restaurant reflects their deep ties to culture, family, and community. Since opening in 2023, Kebena has welcomed guests with warm hospitality and dishes rooted in family recipes. Chef Muna Tadese leads the kitchen with a focus on traditional techniques and ingredients. Many of her recipes were passed down from her mot

Last Thursday, July 17th, we celebrated the launch of our new, expanded office space at 2802 S McClellan St, Seattle, WA 98144, in the heart of South Seattle. Throughout the afternoon, we had the opportunity to connect with longtime partners, clients, and community members, many of whom offered thoughtful ideas on how this new space can best serve the community. From intimate conversations to big-picture brainstorming, the energy in the room reflected exactly why this space m

In the heart of West Seattle’s North Admiral neighborhood, Rain City Barbershop is raising the bar for precision, care, and client education in the barbering world. Whether you’re looking for a flawless fade, razor-sharp beard work, or help figuring out how to ask for the style you want, this team has you covered. Rain City Barbershop is the vision of owner and lead barber Percy Anyimah, whose meticulous attention to detail has earned him a reputation as “surgical with the cl

Operated by Patrixia Paraiso and her family, Chebogz has a simple mission: to bring the bold, authentic flavors of the Philippines to the heart of Seattle while honoring the culture and community that shaped them. Beginning as a food truck in Federal Way, Chebogz has expanded into a full-service restaurant in Beacon Hill as of July 2023 thanks to the support of the local community and the loan provided by Rainier Valley Community Development Fund. The Paraiso family’s journey

Distinguished Foods Commercial Kitchen is a family-owned business that has been a cornerstone of Seattle’s small food manufacturing community for over 25 years. As one of the city’s earliest commercial kitchens, it has served as an incubator for countless food entrepreneurs, many of whom have grown into successful, independent brands in the region’s thriving culinary scene. Originally owned by Samuel Bell and now operated by his son, Claiborne Bell, Distinguished Foods contin

Rainier Valley Birth & Health Center (RVBHC) is a powerful model of community-rooted care, born from the vision, grit, and determination of women in Seattle’s Rainier Valley. As the only women of color-led midwifery center in the area, they provide culturally and linguistically relevant care to predominantly BIPOC and low-income families. Operating with a small yet mighty team, RVBHC offers a full range of services including prenatal care, birth support, lactation consultatio

For two decades, Pure Alchemy Salon has been a trusted name in Columbia City, offering high-quality hair services to the neighborhood. Nestled in a historic landmark home on S Ferdinand St—just across from Columbia City Vet and Rookies—the salon has long been a staple of the local business community. In 2024, Pure Alchemy Salon entered an exciting new chapter under the leadership of Colleen Owsley, an experienced stylist with over 18 years in the hair industry. Taking the rei

Thank You For Joining Our 10th Annual Community Impact Event! We want to express our heartfelt thanks to all who joined in support and solidarity for the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund at our celebration last week. We are honored that so many of you chose to take time from your busy lives to spend with us. Thank you again. Most importantly, we want to spotlight the incredible businesses we work with who were the recipients of the Richard McIver Award: Chebogz Disti

Champ Boxing, a Seattle-based non-profit organization, is making a real difference in the lives of young people. Founded by Kevin Loyal in an abandoned classroom at Rainier Beach High School, Champ Boxing provides free boxing training and mentorship to youth in the community. The program focuses on teaching important life skills such as discipline, integrity, and perseverance. It also provides opportunities for young people to travel and compete in boxing tournaments across t

We’re thrilled to share that the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund (RVCDF) was recently honored as part of the City of Seattle’s selection for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s CDBG 50th Anniversary Award early October. The award celebrates the long-standing success of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and recognizes impactful projects across the country. RVCDF was spotlighted for our transformative role in promoting equit

This week, the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund was invited onto Seattle Here & Now. Host John Yasutake dives into the vital work of the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund (RVCDF) and speaks with our Executive Director Bob Luciano and Program Manager Robert Williams. The episode offers listeners an inside look at how this unique, community-controlled financial institution is driving positive change in Seattle’s Rainier Valley. From affordable housing to small

We’re honored to be featured in a recent KIRO 7 News segment by Jesse Jones, highlighting how the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund (RVCDF) continues to support small businesses impacted by major infrastructure projects like the light rail. The story centers on Comfort Zone, a popular Rainier Valley restaurant run by Talya Miller. Like many small businesses in the area, Comfort Zone faced financial uncertainty due to the disruption caused by light rail construction. W

Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through the delivery of holistic, integrated behavior health services that promote hope, recovery and improved quality of life. Since 1965, Valley Cities has responded to the behavioral health needs and emerging socioeconomic challenges of King County residents and diversified its program services accordingly. Starting with just one clinic in Auburn, today Valley Cities serves more than