Our Story
Nights at the Roundtable
In October 2000, a group of Hyde Park and Roslindale residents concerned about the rising cost of housing came together for a series of meetings around their kitchen tables to discuss how to create more affordable housing and prevent displacement of residents, as well as the need for economic development and job training for residents. They formed the Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation (SWBCDC), which incorporated in 2001.
Early Southwest Boston CDC initiatives focused on building community relationships and addressing immediate needs.
Early Community Development Work
The Hyde Park Arts Initiative
The Hyde Park Arts Initiative brought businesses and artists together to support one another. The feature event was ‘Artscene’, an annual summer street fair in Logan Square. Residents enjoyed food from local restaurants, performances by local musicians, poets and dancers; and were able to purchase art from local artists.
Preservation of Expiring Use Properties
Southwest Boston CDC worked with residents at the Weld Park and Florence Apartments to protect these expiring use properties from being sold and converted to market rate housing. Tenants met with public officials and worked with City Life to draw attention to the need to renew and retain Section 8 contracts regardless of ownership. As a result of our work with residents, the city extended the section 8 contract for Weld Apartments. Florence Apartments were purchased by Red Sox legend Mo Vaughn’s organization, which was committed to purchasing properties in order to keep them affordable.
Hyde Park Community Resources
Hyde Park Community Resources was a coalition of service providers which met monthly to share program information. They engaged UMASS Boston to conduct a Hyde Park Needs Assessment; and in 2008 and 2009 organized community information fairs so residents could learn about available resources.
SWBCDC is revamping it’s service committee to address e the Coronavirus outbreak. We are working on connecting residents and local small business to resources and relief programs on the city and state level.