The Frankford CDC is dedicated to the asset-based development of Lower Northeast Philadelphia through job creation, affordable and workforce housing development, improving awareness and outcomes around health and wellness, and the creative and sustainable improvement of public space. The vision is to empower citizens to effect positive change in their community.

400 Art creation at Frankford Pause Park		Fun for families at Frankford Pause Park
Before		New affordable housing and retail space

PACDC spoke with the staff of Frankford CDC.

What do you love most about the work you and your colleagues do?

The work we do has a direct impact on people’s lives. We’re helping people stay in their homes, keep their utilities on, and find jobs; we’ve created a new green space on the Ave, and renovated vacant buildings. All of this works together to strengthen the Frankford community and empower Frankford residents and business owners. Seeing people’s perceptions and assumptions change for the better, knowing that the work we do improves the quality of life and creates opportunities for Frankfordians is hard to beat.

What would you like young people and others in the community to know about this program?

None of this is possible alone. Everything we do requires partnerships and coalitions. And there’s always more we wish we could do, but there simply aren’t enough of us.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter into the type of work and programming you do?

You have to love it, but it can be tremendously rewarding. Every day is different, and it’s never boring, but it’s also rarely easy. Get involved now, even in small ways, and start learning how city programs work, how the non-profit world works, what your niche is.

What’s on the horizon for Frankford CDC? What are you excited about in the future?

Internally, we’re always looking to build our capacity to be able to meet new or growing needs in the community. As far as project go, we finally completed our Paul Street projects (Frankford Pause Park, the Daral Building, 4665 and 4663 Paul Street), and now we’re just starting out on some new, larger projects in the neighborhood and on the Ave that will bring more quality affordable housing, jobs, and retail opportunities to the area!