Worcester Common Ground

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 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. 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. 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. 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.