About Us
Dedicated to serving our community
Our Mission
Hancock Community Development Corporation’s mission is to provide leadership, linkage and support to the community. Our goals are greater economic opportunity, community development, and sustained revitalization of the Hancock Corridor and surrounding areas. We work to generate community based partnerships and to develop ways to revitalize the community with assistance from residents, businesses and other stakeholders.
History
In 1995, the Hancock Corridor was a community in deep distress. With a median income less than half of the county average, unemployment much higher than the national average, a growing housing crisis, and rampant crime, it was clear that organized community intervention was necessary if positive change was going to happen. In cooperation with city officials, concerned citizens began planning to revitalize the area. The result was a series of community initiatives including neighborhood cleanup days, restoration of historic buildings, and participation in the Raise the Roof Day campaign, which called attention to the need for affordable housing.
Community activists continued to work together toward ongoing solutions, and in 1999, the Hancock Corridor Advisory Committee merged with the newly incorporated Hancock Community Development Corporation, Inc. HCDC was formed with the purpose of providing grassroots support and services for Corridor residents, and was an integral part of the long-term revitalization strategy envisioned by community leaders. Areas of focus include: economic development services for low-to-moderate income residents; neighborhood revitalization; expanded housing choices and increased availability of safe, affordable housing for those in need; and improving the quality of life and educational attainment of community youth.
