About Hope CDC: Community Empowerment in Springfield

About us

We enable the Springfield community to thrive by providing a variety of opportunities that nurture development and secure a more promising future for everyone, embodying the essence of community empowerment.

team members

Meet the Community Empowerment Team!

Discover the heart of Hope CDC as we introduce you to the people who lead our mission with passion and dedication.

Bishop Jones

Chief Financial Officer

Ralph Fontanez

Chief Real Estate Officer

Charlene Naylor

Office Administrator

board members

Meet the Board!

Meet our board members, a group of individuals shaping the growth and transformation of Springfield.

Archbishop Timothy Paul– Chair (Sub- Housing & Economic Development)

Bishop Shawl– President (Sub- Neighborhoods)

Andrew Melendez– Vice President (Sub- Small business)

Moya Smith– Treasurer

Bishop Mike Jones– Chief Financial Officer

Pastor Saylor– Asst. Treasurer

Della Blake– Clerk (Sub- Health)

Bishop Naylor– Board Member (Sub- Community Development)

Pastor Cummings– Board Member (Sub- Education)

Pastor J.P. Morgan– Board Member (Sub- Education)

Pastor Paul Starnes– Board member

Mission

Our is to cultivate growth, development, and community empowerment; preserve and enhance the neighborhood and its institutions, promote environmental, visual, and physical improvements and provide forums for community involvement in neighborhood improvements and development.

Vision

Hope Community Development Corporation (herein HOPE) has as its purpose to engage local residents and businesses to work together to undertake community development programs, projects, and activities that develop and improve urban, rural, and suburban communities in sustainable ways. Our goal with these activities is to expand economic opportunities for low to moderate-income people in the City of Springfield.

Empowering Communities: The Story of HOPE CDC and Our Collaborative Efforts

HOPE CDC, was founded by a group of African-American faith-based Houses of Worship with a focus on the Mason Square, Six Corners, Old Hill, Upper Hill, McKnight, and Bay neighborhoods, which lack a community-based development entity.

We organized and participated in neighborhood and community empowerment meetings, listening sessions, and gatherings hosted by local organizations.

During our first Annual Meeting, we were thrilled to see over 400 residents in attendance, expressing their desire for our leadership and support in the areas of community engagement we’ve been focusing on.

Moreover, we’ve formed strong partnerships with the City of Springfield, Home City Housing, Neighborhood Housing Network, local community boards, and our elected officials at both local and state levels.

Together, we’re channeling our efforts and expertise into addressing the pressing needs of these neighborhoods and fostering collaborations among various stakeholders to turn their aspirations into reality.

At Hope CDC, we actively collaborate with the City of Springfield, the Springfield City Council, and all the neighborhood councils that are affected. Additionally, we’re working in harmony with the Commonwealth’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program and the Springfield TDI, which is already making strides in building coalitions within the community.

We tirelessly work day in and day out to address the needs of Mason Square. We actively seek partnerships with like-minded organizations. Our primary focus is on promoting home ownership, offering first-time homebuyer programs, and expanding affordable housing options.

Additionally, we’re dedicated to addressing food accessibility issues in our community, ensuring our neighbors have access to fresh, healthy food. We’re collaborating with the Black Behavioral Health Network to connect our community with qualified therapists of color, combating stereotypes.

We’re sharing the Mason Square Strategic Plans that are currently being merged to create more effective community coalitions. A Mason Square Hub group, led by the Commonwealth’s Neighborhood Stabilization program, the City of Springfield Housing Program, and several nonprofit and community-based organizations, is now in action.

Our Core Values

Community-Centered Approach

We prioritize the needs and aspirations of our community, working closely with locals to understand their unique challenges and opportunities.

Community Empowerment

We believe in the potential of every individual and are committed to empowering them to take control of their lives and make a positive impact.

Diversity and Inclusivity

We embrace the rich diversity of our community, fostering inclusivity and ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.

Collaboration

We actively engage with partners, stakeholders, and organizations to amplify our impact and create synergistic solutions for community development.

Transparency

We operate with transparency, accountability, and integrity, ensuring that our community has complete trust in our actions and decisions.

Continuous Learning

We embrace a culture of learning and continuous improvement, seeking opportunities to grow and adapt to our community's evolving needs.