Wilmington, DE November 14, 2016. InterNeighborhood Foundation of Wilmington (INF) and Central Baptist Community Development Corporation (CB CDC) created the Community Restoration Collaborative (CRC) which is the first of its kind in Delaware. These two Wilmington-based nonprofits created this progressive business to
provide employment and high quality, affordable housing opportunities first to residents of the Eastside community.
“INF is extremely excited regarding the possibilities of this initiative”, says Timothy Crawl-Bey, Executive Director of INF. “As an organization, we have never believed that addressing housing, in and of itself, was or is a cure all for revitalizing our communities. In addition, success is rarely achieved without the benefit of excellent partners, and we have one in Central Baptist CDC. Our combined effort takes a more comprehensive approach to community development and has the potential for a much broader, longer-term impact. We look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead”.
Rev. Dr. Terrence S. Keeling, President/CEO of Central Baptist Community Development Corporation is enthusiastic about the expected outcomes of this formal business partnership. “This joint venture is an example of everything the Eastside Rising Plan was intended to do. Through the establishment of the Community Restoration Collaborative Central Baptist CDC and INF will be able to address housing stabilization from the strengths of each organization, INF housing development and Central Baptist CDC workforce development. In doing so we will be taking an approach to Eastside community development that focuses on people as well as the brick and mortar. As a man of faith I believe that this is a match made in heaven that will bring change according to the will of God for our Eastside Community. This venture will provide more evidence that the Eastside is Rising.”
INF has a proven track record of implementing and managing affordable housing and community development initiatives in the Eastside, and in other areas of the City throughout its 30 year history. The CB CDC has a successful track record in offering a comprehensive, high quality workforce development training program that directly leads graduates to jobs through their employment placement agency, Eastside Employment Services.
These two Community-Based Development Organizations have combined two strategic areas of their Non-Profits to expand the outcomes of housing development and job creation for underemployed and unemployed residents of the Eastside and other areas of the City through this unique, social enterprise business venture, the Community Restoration Collaborative.