SUCCESS OF THE WHEELER CREEK CDC

 

The initial funding for the Wheeler Creek Community was awarded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development through the HOPE VI grant. In less than five years WCCDC, partnering with private and public entities successfully completed a 314-unit mixed income housing development, established a blue print for successful economic and social self-sufficiency services to public housing residents, and created economic opportunities for one of Washington's most severely distressed communities.

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For almost two decades, WCCDC has provided comprehensive case management services for low-income public housing residents.    Based on WCCDC’s successful track record, the District of Columbia Housing Authority has selected WCCDC six times to oversee the federally mandated Community and Supportive Services Program (CSSP).  CSSP is the social services component of a multi million-dollar grant to demolish distressed properties and rebuild new mixed income communities.  Utilizing over $14 million dollars in grant funding WCCDC has successfully served over 2,500 households.  WCCDC has been responsible for assessing families and working with them to meet the eligibility requirements to access new housing development and connect with required services to enable them to qualify for and retain housing.

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VIEW OUR HOMES
 

Wheeler Creek currently boasts the largest percentage of home ownership units in any completed HOPE VI site nationwide, with 104 units. All units set aside for home ownership by former residents have been purchased. A beautifully constructed 100-unit senior building is located on the Wheeler Creek property. Amenities include a community room with kitchen facilities, library, computer lab, recreation and exercise room.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
 

The HOPE VI project resulted in individual career employment assessment and skills training for residents and full-time, living-wage employment for persons. Additionally, employment services provided by the Wheeler Creek CDC generated private funds for the CDC and resulted in the employment of public housing residents.

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AWARDS

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WCCDC has received recognition, nationally and locally, and best practice awards as a model for resident-driven community transformation and revitalization.
 

• The decision by the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) to replicate WCCDC’s original success in administering the Community      Support Services Programs 5 additional sites representing more than 2,200 units of mixed income housing;
 

• HUD’s Best Practices Award (2000),
 

• The Innovations in Government Award (sponsored by the Ford Foundation and Harvard University in 2001);
 

• The Best In American Living Design,
 

• The HUD Secretary’s Award for Excellence;
 

• The National Association of Homebuilders Award in 2002.