Mission Statement

The mission of West Angeles Community Development Corporation is to increase social and economic justice, demonstrate compassion and alleviate poverty as tangible expressions of the Kingdom of God through the vehicle of community development.

History

West Angeles CDC was founded in early 1994 as an outreach program of West Angeles Church of God in Christ, then a 15,000-member congregation in the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles. Dr. Lula Ballton and Bishop Charles E. Blake, together with Trustees of West Angeles Church, founded the CDC to expand the compassionate outreach and neighborhood development ministries of the church in the face of mounting problems of poverty and injustice in the surrounding community.

Lack of jobs, business investment and affordable, decent housing, struggling schools, endemic homelessness and gang activity were all signs that new, long-term improvements were needed. At the same time, new business and community-building activities had also begun and were growing. These signs were new life and hope on which to build. In January 1994, the CDC was incorporated as a nonprofit organization to bring together people and resources to help develop the community.

WACDC Today

In 2023, nearly 75,000 homeless individuals walked the streets in Los Angeles County. In South Los Angeles alone, 1 out of 3 rental households could benefit from financial awareness, and our youth are at risk. West Angeles Community Development Corporation is the conduit through which we disseminate resources to the community and for the past 30 years we have provided Homes and Hope. We believe that healthy communities promote healthy people.

A very special “thank you” to our sponsors for their faithful and continued support! It is because of their diligence and commitment that we have been able to offer innovative programs through our various departments: Community Assistance & Outreach, Financial Wealth Building, and Community Housing.

WACDC Impact Statement

West Angeles Community Development Corporation (WACDC) empowers low-to-moderate income communities throughout South Los Angeles to build wealth and health by providing services through an intersectional approach that incorporates social services, economic development, housing, and healthcare.

Our Impact

WACDC is a leader in addressing systemic racism through transformative programming that alters historical patterns that have kept far too many Black and Latino residents in South Los Angeles from opportunities that lead to prosperity and well-being. Our staff and Board – all of whom are Black or Latino – live, work, and/or worship in the community; we are a reflection of who we serve. The knowledge we have amassed as a collective has led to some truly transformative achievements:

• Over 4,000 low-to-moderate income households have become first-time homeowners
• We have built a portfolio of four affordable housing developments housing 500 low-income families and seniors, with two new developments to be completed in the next three years.
• More than 60,000 individuals have gained greater financial security
• Approximately 900 small businesses have launched and supported with technical assistance
• Nearly 600,000 people have received crisis intervention services and basic needs assistance
• We have built dozens of partnerships with government, quasi-government, and community-based organizations to advance socio-economic systems change.

WACDC is an organization built by the community for the community. We are fueled by the joy that is manifested every day in the community by our work – when foreclosure signs come down, and neighborhoods are revitalized when a new Black or Latino-owned business opens and is buoyed by the community when families receive the keys to their first house when those we serve can go through their day breathing easier because they are not struggling as much financially when we help an individual or family navigate and emerge from a crisis situation.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Meet Maria, a single mother who secured her home through our program. We met Maria during the COVID-19 pandemic when her house was in foreclosure. She was pregnant and had just lost her mother. Amidst this turmoil, Maria was hospitalized, and tragically, her father passed away as well. Maria faced a tough delivery, and her baby did not survive. Despite these overwhelming challenges, our HUD-certified counselors stood by Maria, guiding her through the necessary documents to save her home. By the time she was released from the hospital, West Angeles CDC had helped Maria secure over $50,000, rescuing her home from foreclosure.

Hear from Steven, who transformed his life through our Recidivism Program. Steven came to us with nothing, having been incarcerated and living on the streets. Our case managers provided him with the tools needed to secure housing and start a new job at West Angeles Church. Steven has retained his housing and is financially stable. His story is a testament to the power of support and second chances.

Finally, meet Pearl, a resident of West Angeles Senior Housing. Before coming to WACDC, Pearl struggled with high rent, which was depleting her monthly Social Security income. Three months after moving into our Senior Housing, Pearl joyfully shared, “Belinda, I pay my rent, pay my utilities, buy groceries, and I still have money left in the bank. One thing about your Pastor, he loves us old folk.”

These stories illustrate the profound impact of our work and how our faith guides our mission.

Looking Ahead

There is an old Chinese Proverb that says, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Realizing a long-time dream, WACDC will be opening a Community Wellness Center by the end of 2024. The Center will offer a holistic approach to ensure that clients learn how to fish, providing individual counseling sessions, community wellness events, and comprehensive outreach efforts to promote well-being and support overall community development. Our goal is to uncover the underlying reasons behind individual crises and support individuals in becoming self-sufficient in meeting their basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. By doing so, we aim to build a stronger, more resilient community.

Join Us

We invite you to join our transformative journey. With your support, we can achieve greater heights and continue to transform communities.

Contact Us to learn more about how you can get involved and support our mission.

Dr. Belinda Allen
Executive Director