Today I would like to shine a light on the Women’s Community Revitalization Project whose mission is to support black mothers and their children find affordable housing in a city being taken over by gentrification and rising rental costs. Here is their story and vision for the future of urban communities in the city of Philadelphia.

In 1986, the Women’s Community Revitalization Project (WCRP) became Philadelphia’s first and only women-led community development organization. Over the last 30 years the organization has grown to become a nationally recognized, innovative developer that has to-date built more than 282 units of housing and invested $66 million in some of Philadelphia’s poorest neighborhoods.

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Today, WCRP has established itself as a leader in advocating for equitable, healthy community development as well as support for local women and their families. In addition to developing affordable housing, the organization leads community organizing campaigns aimed at shaping public policy outcomes, manages its properties and provides supportive services to tenants and communities throughout Philadelphia. https://www.wcrpphila.org/history

The idea for forming WCRP gained significant momentum in the mid-1980s after an eastern North Philadelphia neighborhood coalition successfully challenged the lending practices of First Fidelity Bank through the Community Reinvestment Act. Emboldened by the economic opportunities created by their resultant $50 million settlement, the group’s leaders united around a common purpose: finding ways to improve their neighborhood to better the lives of local women and their families.

For more information and to find out how you can support WCRP, please follow the link: https://www.wcrpphila.org/contact-us

All images are courtesy of Womens Community Revitalization Project.