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Ward Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is an independent affiliate of Ward African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME). The governing boards are completely independent with the pastor of Ward AME Church having a perpetual seat on the board of Ward EDC to insure the communication and linkage.

WEDC is a California not-for-profit community development corporation whose mission includes neighborhood, housing, economic, and leadership development. As one of the first faith-based development corporations in Los Angeles, it has championed that cause across the nation and mentored similar groups from local congregations.

Read an interesting article exploring the mission of WEDC!

Construction/Management of Ward Villas

A 120 state of the art apartment complex for low and very low income seniors. Dubbed "A
Resort in the City", it is a Senior Network center, AARP Connections and Delta lunch program
site. Ward Housing Limited Partnership is the entity legally responsible for the construction of
Ward Villas. WEDC is the sole general partner with SunAmerica Housing Inc. as the limited
partner.

Founding of Exodus Community Preservation Corp
(a.k.a. Exodus Community Land Bank)

  • 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.

Acquisition/Management of Tuelyn Terrace

A 91 unit previously troubled housing development. It now houses families, seniors, and participants in the National Family Life Education Center emancipating youth program.

Founding of Community Spirit Watch
(an intergenerational community building effort)

This inter-generational effort conducts asset mapping, initially along the Crenshaw corridor. The
resulting product combines the memories of the seniors with the dreams of the youth to develop
a vision for the future.

See our colorful map of the Crenshaw Corridor!
Click here for news articles about Community Spirit Watch.

Projects in process include...

  1. Senior Wellness Center - an opportunity for illness to be de-emphasized and emphasis
    placed on healthy aging.
  2. 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.
  3. Senior Village - a commercial village with services that highlight and are sensitive to the
    needs of seniors.

WEDC's commitment to making a difference is a cherished legacy. It has been a part of many
initiatives and advocacy coalitions. It was a founding member of the Coalition of Neighborhood
Developers, a group of 25-30 neighborhood development coprporations and professional
affiliates who banned together in 1989 to develop a holistic planning strategy for the South
Central and Est Los Angeles areas. WEDC was also fouding member of Communities for
Accountable Reinvestment (CAR), an organization dedicated to assuring that banking instituions
adhere to and fulfill their obligation in accordance with the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977.

Through its president WEDC has participated in SCANPH (Board chair), Bank of America's
Social Policy Advisory Council (charter appointee), Federal Home Loan Bank's Social Policy
Advisory Council - District 11 (founding member), Mayor's Committee to Revitalize South
Central LA, City of LA Affordable Housing Commision (chair), Rebuild LA (RLA), Los Angeles
Charter Reform Commision (elected from the 10th council district) and a host of other efforts.

Current WEDC involvement include the LISC national board, Urban Leadership Institue (ULI),
LA LISC advisory board, Vision LA, NCCED and CCEDA, USC Community Advisors, CLUE., &
African American 2000 Census Advisory Committee.

Telephone:  213-747-1188
Fax:  213-747-1975

Postal Address

P.O. Box 7391
Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA