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In partnership with faith communities, Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation (GEDCO) provides affordable housing with supportive services.
This includes housing adults with mental disabilities in the Ascension Homes, nurturing women and men who were homeless at Harford House and Micah House, and enabling seniors to age with dignity at Epiphany House, the Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Senior Housing at the Gallagher Mansion, and Stadium Place.
Most of the 475 residents living in our programs have incomes less than 30% of the median income in the Baltimore metropolitan area, and all fall under 60% of this mark. GEDCO currently is the only non-profit developer of affordable, large-scale housing projects with supportive services in north Baltimore City.
In addition to our housing programs, GEDCO operates CARES (Civic and Religious Emergency Services), a food pantry and emergency financial assistance center located in the back of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. CARES responds to more than 5000 visits annually from community members seeking food, advocacy, and emergency financial assistance for utility bills, eviction prevention and prescriptions. Furthermore, CARES Career Connections expands self-sufficiency opportunities for these individuals and families by focusing on employment options. We address barriers to full employment and provide one-on-one volunteer mentoring that assists program participants in obtaining and maintaining jobs.
After a decade of cooperative efforts by seven pastors in the Govans community, GEDCO (Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation) was incorporated in 1991 as a private, non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. These pastors experienced first hand the growing need for affordable housing with supportive services and emergency food and financial assistance among members of their churches and of the broader community.
They created an independent, non-profit corporation in order to broaden the base of community involvement and expedite the development of new projects. GEDCO now has 47 institutional "Member Organizations" including churches, community groups, schools, neighborhood associations, and service organizations throughout north Baltimore. These organizations, no matter their location, can refer their members for GEDCO services.
GEDCO is committed to a just society that respects the dignity and worth of all people, values diversity, upholds community, encourages each person's contributions, and fosters growth toward personal independence.
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