GEDCO
Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation (GEDCO), a Baltimore-based nonprofit social service provider and a developer of subsidized housing. The corporation primarily serves low-income seniors and previously homeless men and women through affordable housing and support programs.
History
In the early 1980s, a local minister, Reverend Jack Sharp and the pastors of seven churches along the York Road corridor in the Govans neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland, started meeting together to discuss the common needs of their congregations and communities. They were especially concerned about the low-income frail elderly members of their congregations.
Programs
Three renovated single-family houses operating as group homes for individuals with chronic mental illnesses.
Food pantry and emergency outreach center serving local residents and referrals from Member Organizations.
Individualized assistance program that supports people in securing and retaining employment.
Renovated antebellum Govanstowne hotel, now 33-unit housing facility for low-income seniors and those with disabilities who are 55 years or older.
Renovated mansion built in 1855, now a 40-unit housing for low-income seniors.
Acquiring, rehabilitating, and selling 5 single family homes to qualified homebuyers in the neighborhoods surrounding Stadium Place.
Community offering a home environment with long-term care services.
Long-term housing and supportive services for men who were homeless.
Comfortable atmosphere in which older adults can remain independent and active through specially designed programs.
Permanent housing and supportive services for formerly homeless men and women.
Through entertainment, enrichment, enjoyment and education, older adults remain independent and active through specially designed programs.
Serves 25 people who were homeless and living with disabling conditions through placement in scattered-site apartments. A Case Manager ensures that needed health and social services are accessible to program residents, who are encouraged to continue striving to achieve meaningful goals in their lives.
GEDCO, along with its key partners, is developing a mixed-income retirement community at Stadium Place, site of the former Memorial Stadium in northern Baltimore City. The campus currently includes four apartment buildings for over 350 older adults, a full service YMCA with community center and recreation facilities, ThanksGiving Place (a meditative garden with a labyrinth), and a community built playground. GEDCO also is developing the Green House® Residences, a new model of residential long-term care, and a Village Center, with retail, commercial, office, and community gathering space.
Staffing
The Executive Directors have been:
- 1991-2003, Julia Pierson
- 2003-2012, Mitch Posner
- 2013 Nichole Battle
The Presidents of GEDCO have been
- Rev. Joe Muth
- Rev. Jack Sharp
- Father Ed Kenny, of St. Mary's of the Assumption