OUR MISSION
Worcester Common Ground (WCG) is a community development corporation in the Piedmont neighborhood of Worcester that promotes and develops permanent and sustainable improvement in the community through affordable housing, resident activism, and economic development. WCG rehabilitates abandoned housing and by acquiring parcels of vacant land for new construction to provide area residents with affordable rental units, the opportunity to own their own home, and an avenue to contribute to an increased level of neighborhood stability, investment, and pride.
HISTORY
Worcester Common Ground, Inc. (WCG) was founded in 1988 in response to rising concerns in the city about the high cost of housing, the displacement of families, and the large amount of vacant property. The dream of home ownership and economic opportunity for those living in the most underserved neighborhoods of Central Worcester was fading, and WCG decided to take action. Throughout our 30 years, we have had the great fortune of creating 176 units, 25 first-time home ownership properties, and 7 green spaces to serve our neighbors.

What is a CDC?

Community Development Corporations are 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organizations that are created to revitalize neighborhoods, address complex and systemic issues, and strengthen the community through access to affordable housing, community programming and opportunities for economic development. Worcester Common Ground focuses on the impact that affordable housing can make on rebuilding a community, from traditional rental units, to retail spaces, and first-time home ownerships. In addition to housing, we preserve and maintain greenspaces for both resident and public use to bring neighbors together, produce healthy food for the community and provide opportunities for agricultural education and business.

COMMUNITY LAND TRUST
Worcester Common Ground, Inc. first became a Community Land Trust prior to becoming a CDC in 1988.  By using the Community Land Trust model, Worcester Common Ground provides stewardship of Land Trust holdings in order to preserve scarce affordable housing and community resources and create innovative, safe, and secure housing opportunities for lower-income community members within the Central Worcester, Massachusetts target area. Specifically the unique mission of the WCG Land Trust is to remove land from the speculative real estate market forever. No other non-profit housing agency in Worcester has been charged with this stewardship responsibility. The unique means by which the Land Trust ensures the affordability of housing in perpetuity is by legal separation of the land from the buildings, and the use of the ground lease to control the resale costs of the housing units to future generations at an affordable price while also making sure the owner builds equity.
TARGET AREA
Our target area, which we refer to as the Greater Piedmont Area, encompasses three census tracts within the City of Worcester: 7314, 7315, and 7316. These tracts are generally bound by Salisbury Street on the north, Main Street on the east, May Street on the south, and Park Avenue on the west. There are several neighborhoods within the Greater Piedmont Area with distinct identities and characteristics including: Elm Park, Piedmont, Crown Hill, and Castle Street. Worcester Common Ground works across these neighborhoods to address conditions of blight, disinvestment, and urban decay through the rehabilitation of properties into quality affordable housing and resident-driven community initiatives. Explore the map below to learn more about Greater Piedmont!

Our Administrative Staff

Our administrative staff at Worcester Common Ground are the dedicated professionals who keep our organization running smoothly. They handle the essential day-to-day tasks, ensuring the seamless operation of our initiatives. From managing schedules to coordinating community events, our administrative team plays a crucial role in supporting our mission. If you have any inquiries or require assistance, our staff is here to help, embodying the spirit of collaboration and community service that defines Worcester Common Ground.

Our Administrative Staff

Our administrative staff at Worcester Common Ground are the dedicated professionals who keep our organization running smoothly. They handle the essential day-to-day tasks, ensuring the seamless operation of our initiatives. From managing schedules to coordinating community events, our administrative team plays a crucial role in supporting our mission. If you have any inquiries or require assistance, our staff is here to help, embodying the spirit of collaboration and community service that defines Worcester Common Ground.

Our Board of Directors

WCG-CDC is governed by a Board of Directors of up to twelve (12) individuals, 70% of whom must be neighborhood residents. The composition of the board reflects the organization’s commitment to developing resident leaders in the neighborhoods it serves.

JONO O’SULLIVAN (PRESIDENT) – Piedmont Neighborhood Resident and Business Owner

EDDIE JIMENEZ – Piedmont Neighborhood Business Owner

 

RAMON BORGES-MENDEZ – Piedmont Neighborhood Resident

JANET FRAZIER – Piedmont Neighborhood Resident

AMIE COX – Piedmont Neighborhood Resident

Worcester Common Ground seeks Board members who are deeply committed to our mission of equitable neighborhood development. If you share that commitment, live in the Piedmont Neighborhood, and/or have a skillset or lived experiences that would enhance our operations, we encourage you to connect with our Executive Director, Yvette Dyson, to learn more about what being a Board member with Worcester Common Ground entails.

Our Interns

At Worcester Common Ground, we nurture future community leaders by providing valuable opportunities for hands-on experience in equitable neighborhood development. As an intern, they work closely with our dedicated team, contributing to meaningful projects and initiatives. Guided by experienced professionals, they gain essential skills and make a real impact on the community.