Highbridge Community Development Corporation

The Highbridge Community Development Corporation (HCDC) is only one in a web of services and initiatives that began in 1988 in a massive effort to revitalize the South Bronx community of Highbridge. When the Housing Development Institute (HDI) of the Archdiocese joined forces with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the resulting institute was dubbed the Highbridge Community HDFC, the Housing Development Fund Corporation, the engine for this change.

The Highbridge Community HDFC formed the Highbridge Community Development Corporation (HCDC) to provide neighborhood preservation and anti-abandonment services to the Highbridge community in addition to delivering an array of social, community and support services to formerly homeless families and the community in general.

The Highbridge Community Development Corporation, a 501 c-3 corporation, was selected by HPD in 1988 to develop, own and operate 23 residential buildings to provide 722 affordable housing units and to develop four vacant lots into parks and play areas. The HDFC expanded on this role in later years by working with HPD on other projects to develop additional 168 affordable housing units in the community. It has worked in partnership with the state to produce another 28 low-income units and was the community sponsor of 16 two-family houses in partnership with hpd and the New York City partnership. The rehabilitation of these buildings not only enhanced the neighborhood but was also an impetus for the revitalization of the community.

The Highbridge Community Development Corporation has been in the forefront of the community’s redevelopment. It has worked with the New York City parks department to have a recreation center for youth built in the community. It has worked with the local schools to generate parental involvement and improve reading scores. It has brought in primary health care to the community and mental health services. It is a leading advocate for low-income families, providing direct services which offer information and referral services for landlord/tenant disputes. For more than three years the unity center has also provided neighborhood consultant services to the community under contract with hpd.

The mission of the Highbridge Community Development Corporation is to provide affordable housing for formerly homeless and low and moderate-income families. In addition, the Highbridge Community Development Corporation is committed to providing services leading to full economic independence for all residents.

One-third of the housing units are for residents who were formerly homeless individuals and families; another third of the units are reserved for low-income families.

They include:

• 254 affordable housing units;
• 28 low-income units;
• 16 two-family homes;
• 237 units for the elderly.

The Highbridge Community Development Corporation works with potential and current residents to ensure they maintain safe, decent and affordable housing. The center counsels current and prospective tenants are counseled and referred to existing programs and other supporting agencies to further address their needs. The Highbridge Community Development Corporation maintains this solid network of housing, planning, development, and preservation programs to assist in promoting the quality of life for families and individuals in the community.

The Highbridge Community Development Corporation has continued to develop an array of other programs and outreach services for the community. These have been designed to address a wide range of needs for educational and social services. The center remains on the forefront of community redevelopment by leading the way in responding to community needs. In addition to the Highbridge Voices program, the Highbridge Community Development Corporation has developed instructional classes in ESL, GED and computer skills. The center has also been instrumental in establishing a youth recreation center, a primary health care facility, and a federal credit union. The Highbridge Community Development Corporation continues to work in areas of education, housing and economic development to create a healthy, well-rounded and vital community.