The Druid Heights Community Development Corporation (DHCDC), a non-profit organization, was established in 1974. DHCDC is governed by a 18-member Board of Directors that include political, corporate, and community representation. Its mission is to promote and encourage areas of community development and empowerment through numerous initiatives. The overall goal is to accelerate the revitalization of the neighborhood with self-empowerment, employment and economic opportunities all while creating a stable and safe community environment.
Druid Heights is one of Baltimore’s oldest neighborhoods with a rich historical background. The DHCDC’s targeted geographic area is the Druid Heights Community located in central West Baltimore; the community is bordered to the South by Laurens Street, to the East by McCulloh Street, to the West by Pennsylvania Avenue and to the North by North Avenue. The community is predominately residential and its homes contain large interior design with three stories and as many as five bedrooms. Druid Heights also has a large population of African American families and inhabits roughly 10,000 residents according to the 2000 Census.
Over the past 33 years, The DHCDC has served as an ambassador in community re-development throughout not only Druid Heights but also its surrounding neighborhoods. By joining forces with other community and development agencies, they have successfully completed the rehabilitation and construction of numerous properties to create single-family housing for rent and sale. The organization has completed the new construction and sale of 35 town-homes and rehabilitated 83 units of multi-family rental housing. Partnering with family housing organizations, DHCDC has also implemented Housing and Development Counseling for homeowners to learn skills on owning a home and maintaining the home after purchase.
In addition, DHCDC operates other community development program services such as an after-school homework assistance program which is comprised of volunteers fromBaltimore City Public schools and other students from nearby elementary and middle schools, stepping in to help community students with their homework assignments. Another popular program is the Cultural Exchange Summer Fun Camp which was created to improve cultural relationships and establish an appreciation for cultural diversity. Lastly, we provide much needed programs focusing on financial fitness (Money Smart) and basic technology training.
DHCDC has also been recognized for community revitalization and housing accomplishments such as, Commitment to Excellence Award by the Maryland Dept of Housing and Community Development, Community Advocate Award by the City of Baltimore and the Economic Empowerment Challenge Award by the NAACP, just to name a few.
As a community based developer, DHCDC has performed with distinction as the effective development entity within the Druid HeightsCommunity. Over the next five years, DHCDC is committed to strengthening their existing body of work particularly focusing on developing affordable housing and engaging the next generation of residents through their youth development programming.