(a.k.a. Exodus Community Land Bank)
WEDC Recognized the rapidly increasing real-estate values and gentrification that was leading to less divers and inclusive neighborhoods.
- Research and community lead to the founding of a coalition of 9 churches with their affiliated development corporations representing five denominations working to establish a community land trust.
- In 1991, WEDC completed the initial organizing activities under the requirements of a
planning grant received from the Lilly Endowment Inc. NOTE: At the request of funders to work with individual CDC’s after the April 29 1992 civil unrest, Exodus was put on hold
The Community Spirit Watch
Community Spirit Watch began as an asset mapping project involving inter-generational teams of elders and high school students. The elders spun tales of what the community had been “back in the day” giving the young people a glimpse of the glory days. Then the young people accompanied by the elders conducted door-to-door surveys of businesses, residents and institutions on Crenshaw corridor from Pico Blvd to Martin Luther King Blvd. The team gathered at Family Savings Bank (now One United Bank). At the end of the survey period, evaluators from Loyola Marymount completed the evaluation producing a report outlining the vision and desires of the interviewees.
Founding of Community Asset Mapping
(an intergenerational community building effort)
This inter-generational effort is designed to conducted asset mapping, initially along the Crenshaw corridor. The resulting product combines the memories of the enders with the dreams of the youth to develop a vision for the future.
Chesterfield Square
See our colorful map of the Crenshaw Corridor!
The community, city officials and organizations work together to make Thanksgiving a special day for seniors and their families.
Projects in process include…
- Senior Wellness Center – an opportunity for illness to be de-emphasized and emphasis placed on healthy aging.
- Missed-Generation Housing – recognition of the family pattern which finds the elderly caring for young children. Specialized housing is needed to address this family model.
- Senior Village – a commercial village with services that highlight and are sensitive to the needs of seniors.