ECUMENICAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION
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Mission Statement
With a mission and programs that date back more than 40 years, the Ecumenical Community Development Organization delivers high-quality housing, career training, and supportive services that enable Harlem residents to achieve their goals while strengthening our community and economy. The organization remains at the forefront of supporting, educating, and empowering Harlem's future leaders and advocates. The estimated number of unduplicated individuals served by ECDO annually is 1,579, and we estimate that our agency serves 525 households annually.
About This Cause
Founded in 1983 in the basement of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the Ecumenical Community Development Organization (ECDO) emerged from the passionate efforts of residents and community activists dedicated to uplifting low and moderate-income communities in West Harlem (Community District 9) and Central Harlem (Community District 10). ECDO's mission from inception has been to implement transformative programs and initiatives to enhance the quality of life, social equity, and economic opportunities for Harlem residents and businesses. Our mission was founded on enduring values of Advocacy, Inclusion, Integrity, and Renewal. ECDO's clients primarily come from BIPOC and low-income communities throughout Harlem. On average, we serve roughly 1,579 clients each year. 40% of our clients are under 15, 15% are 16-24 years old, 15% are 25-49, 15% are 50-64, and 15% are 65 and older. 90% of our clients identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), with 35% identifying as Black, 25% identifying as Hispanic/Latino, 15% identifying as Multiracial, 10% identifying as White, and the remaining 15% as Asian, Indigenous, or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (NHOPI). Our clients are predominantly low-income, with ECDO's definition encompassing clients who earn less than $32,000 annually, families who fall under the Area Median Income of 0% to 30%, and families or individuals enrolled in a government-assisted program. Our programs and services encompass adult and youth educational training, counseling, employment training, job placement, tenant and community organizing, technical assistance to distressed building owners, property management, early childhood education, and neighborhood-based planning strategies. Through advocacy and community engagement efforts, we address systemic issues contributing to housing insecurity and advocate for policies promoting equitable housing opportunities in Harlem. Their holistic approach underscores their commitment to fostering a resilient and thriving community where all residents can access safe, affordable housing and the support they need to thrive. In our organization's tenure, we've opened two Head Start Child Start facilities in Central Harlem, serving 150 children and their families annually since 2004. Additionally, we have revitalized 13 buildings throughout Harlem and created more than 700 affordable housing units. We have also served over 10,000 teens and young adults through various programs like summer youth, academic enrichment, and mentorship programs. Our enduring commitment is to enhance the overall quality of life for the people of Harlem by providing affordable housing and a wide range of human, social, and economic services. Recently, our partnership with the NYC Department of Youth Community Development (DYCD) and a public school, Harlem Village Academies, provided the agency with a steadfast collaboration to provide after-school enrichment program services. Our targeted age group was high school students. Part of the curriculum was providing financial literacy and other life skills. We enrolled students, and they attended financial literacy workshops on how to manage money, open interest-bearing savings accounts, and understand the stock market and long-term investments. We reviewed utilizing direct deposit for savings and checking accounts, thus eliminating the use of check cashing centers. Additionally, we assisted each student with strategies on how to pursue employment. The curriculum also presented information on employment options and understanding federal and state tax withholdings. The agency has previously partnered with other community development agencies, city and federally funded programs such as CAMBA, Goodwill Industries, New York State Department of Labor - Wage Subsidy Program (DOL), and the New York City Department of Employment Job Training Partnership Act - JTPA (DOE). The success of these employment and training programs resulted in over 3,000 community residents of Harlem who were trained and placed in viable employment opportunities. The agency met all contractual obligations and was successful in all programs. After forty-plus years of service to the Harlem community, our mission remains more relevant than ever, and we continue to advocate for funding and support. By investing in ECDO, your organization enhances our ability to deliver sustainable solutions to pressing issues in Harlem, ensuring that we can continue to innovate and serve our community effectively for years to come. Your support will have a lasting impact on improving the quality of life for Harlem residents and advancing our shared goals of social equity and community empowerment.