About us
There is over 50 years of experience behind the work we do at West Elmwood.
Our mission is to bring opportunities to build a healthy, sustainable West End neighborhood by investing in and embracing resident empowerment to support the enhancement of economic mobility and equity for our community.
West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation was founded in the 1970s by a group of residents committed to improving housing conditions and creating home ownership opportunities in Providence’s West End. Using federal funds, this hard-working group built several new homes for first-time homeowners. After a sabbatical, the group reorganized in 1986, and has been moving forward as WEHDC ever since.
Bounded by Westminster Street to the north, Elmwood Avenue to the east, Route 10 and the railroad to the west, and Huntington Avenue to the south, the West End is a community of families and young adults. 35% of residents are between 0-19 years of age, 41% between 20 and 44 years, and over 70% below 45 years. (US Census 2010)
The neighborhood has numerous assets; chief among them is its cultural diversity. In 2010, nearly 40% of West End residents were born outside of the United States, compared to 30% citywide, 13% statewide, and 13% nationwide. Two-thirds of the residents speak a language other than English at home. (US Census 2010)