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For Immediate Release
September 29, 2005 |
Contact: Patricia Dashiell
(202) 895-8900 |
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Opening Doors, Possibilities
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Evacuees settle into CPDC properties and supported by new relief fund
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Washington, DC - Community Preservation and Development Corporation opened its doors to a number of evacuees from the hurricane stricken South as they settled into communities in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
"It makes perfect sense, really," stated J. Michael Pitchford, president and CEO of Community Preservation and Development Corporation (CPDC). "Not only are we able to provide quality housing for these folks, but most of our communities also have resident services programs including workforce training and youth academic support. They will also have easy access to technological tools and resources through our computer learning centers as they seek to rebuild their lives here."
Working closely with Edgewood Management Corporation and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), CPDC has helped to expedite the application process for the evacuees to live in CPDC's affordable housing communities. Families are now living at Edgewood Terrace in northeast DC. "As new vacancies arise over the ensuing months, we will be able to offer the same support to other evacuees," stated Pitchford.
In concert with these plans was the creation of the CPDC Katrina Relief fund. Donations are tax-deductible and one hundred percent of the monies raised will go directly to the support and aid of the relocated individuals and families.
"We wanted to not only provide a roof over their heads, but to also ease their transition by helping with food, clothing, furnishings, and other needs that might arise," explained Eugene F. Ford, Chairman of CPDC's Board.
Contributions have already started coming into the fund. CPDC board members have also pitched in by raising donations of assistance, such as medical care, for the evacuees.
Information on contributing to the CPDC Katrina Relief Fund can be found at www.cpdc.org.
CPDC is a non-profit developer and owner of more than 3,500 apartments in vibrant communities where residents are developing academic, career, and leadership skills. To date, 1,000 students have graduated from its career and skill training program with another 95 current students. Additionally a daily average of over 400 children and youth pass through programs geared toward building leadership, civic responsibility, life skills, and improving academic performance utilizing state-of-the-art technology and interactive projects.
Wardman Court (formerly Clifton Terrace), Edgewood Terrace, and Southern Ridge in Washington, DC represent model successes where crime and mismanagement once prevailed. Island Walk in Reston, VA and 1330 Seventh Street in the District are examples of where complex financing allowed for sustainability and the opportunity for residents to eventually own their homes. The Wiley H. Bates Memorial Complex in Annapolis, Maryland is CPDC's most recent historical preservation. When finished it will provide 71 units of affordable housing for seniors. |
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| CPDC's mission is to develop vibrant communities through innovation and partnerships. To accomplish this, CPDC creates and preserves financially sound, socially responsible affordable housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and families and, in cooperation with community residents, develops community programs that strengthen communities and increase opportunities for growth. |
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