White Center Community Development Association

Beginning in 2001, resident leaders were concerned about the fact that their community felt increasingly fractured, had a declining economic base where businesses left and jobs soon followed, and affordable, quality housing was disappearing. Residents decided to start an organization dedicated to the revitalization of their unique and culturally diverse neighborhood. The White Center CDA is formed Following two years of a collaborative planning effort and support from King County and the “Making Connections” initiative of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, fifty leaders of the White Center community formed the non-profit White Center CDA in February 2002. A mission that matters Fully staffed in the fall of 2002, the White Center CDA was charged with addressing a variety of issues that affect the quality of life for White Center residents like affordable housing and supporting small businesses. In 2007, the White Center CDA took on a new and expanded role in the community by becoming the home of the Making Connections initiative and acting as a neighborhood intermediary on behalf of the community. The CDA expanded its mission to include both the former “place” based work of neighborhood revitalization as well as a newer “people” based role in family development- all wrapped around a strong community building philosophy. Today, the White Center CDA is a vibrant, evolving community organization guided by the White Center Neighborhood Action Plan and engaged in various core programs and partnership initiatives to benefit the White Center community. Mission The White Center CDA works to eradicate poverty and build a vibrant, economically diverse community. The center does this by: Facilitating a community-driven agenda for change Connecting families and community members to resources, services, and supports Advocating for inclusion, engagement and resident leadership Working across communities, cultures and systems The WCCDA is committed to ensuring long-term equity and social justice through systems change for the benefit of the White Center community. Vision A bold, innovative, community-led sustainable and results-driven organization committed to eliminating racism and creating positive economic and social change.