Grant Housing and Economic Development Corporation (GHEDC) began in 1990. The primary focus during the inception of the corporation was to provide opportunities in the areas of education, training and employment.
In 1992 Reverend Daniel Pinkard as Pastor of Grant AME Church, realized the importance of education and economic empowerment in the South Central area. It was his idea to incorporate GHEDC and to also successfully apply for non-profit status code 501(c) 3 through the Internal Revenue Service. This would insure that GHEDC could pursue additional funding sources to expand and create needed services for the community. In 1995, GHEDC was incorporated and also obtained non-profit status code 501(c) 3.
The Corporation identifies community economic development opportunities in addition to establishing collaborations with other agencies to create job generating industries that can provide employment to area residents.
The goals and objectives of the organization include education, housing and economic development. A major part of accomplishing these goals and objectives is the stimulation of the revitalization and redevelopment of the Central Avenue Corridor.
An active Board of Directors guides the work of GHEDC. Members of the Board include an array of educators, public service personnel and several area residents all having first hand knowledge and commitment to positive community empowerment.
The organization’s Executive Director, Chris R. Jordan, has extensive training in urban economic development, which includes intensive course work at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts. As Executive Director of GHEDC, he directs and manages all project areas: Youth and Adult Education, Multi-Family Housing and Economic Development through commercial and retail projects. He is responsible for providing overall management, program planning, direction, fundraising and outreach for the organization.