Historical Highlights
The West Indianapolis Development Corporation (WIDC) was organized by residents of the neighborhood and incorporated in September of 1992. Funded by a grant from the Indianapolis Housing Partnership, WIDC opened its office and began program operations in July of 1993. A not-for-profit 501(c) 3 membership-based Corporation, individual membership is open to all residents, persons employed in the neighborhood, and property owners in the West Indianapolis service area. Business membership is open to businesses that support the goals of the corporation.

West Indianapolis community is home to more than 10,000 residents and some of the City’s largest industrial employers. (An additional 20,000 people work in the neighborhood daily.)

Accomplishments and activities
West Indianapolis Development Corporation accomplishes its mission through a set of core activities:

• Homeownership activities
• Construction of single family homes
• Home repair assistance
• Rental housing development
• Home weatherization
• Senior housing
• Commercial/business development
• Individual Development Accounts program
• Community organizing
• Beautification and enhancement of public areas and facilities

WIDC recognizes that the ultimate goal of neighborhood revitalization is to make West Indianapolis a place where people want to live. If one considers the high homeownership rate, low crime rate, low housing vacancy rate, and term of residency, it would appear that this goal has already been met. To do so, however, would be to ignore the challenges to this stability evidenced by other factors. Low householdincomes, declining retail services, and aging housing stock threaten the continued viability of the area.

In the eight years since it began operation WIDC has assisted 225 residents with home repairs, made the dream of homeownership possible for 50 families, and developed 80 affordable rental units, including 39 specifically designed for seniors. Commercial and service facility activities have included façade improvements for local businesses, a community parking lot, a new Senior Center, and development of a facility for Southwest OBGYN clinic. In addition, neighborhood activities have included numerous park improvements and beautification projects. WIDC provide residents with homeownership counseling and access to the State Individual Development Account (IDA) program. A community policing office is located at WIDC.

Community Partnerships
West Indianapolis Development Corporation has an ongoing relationship with a variety of community and corporate partners, including Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, Southside Partners Inc., local businesses, the Local Initiative Support Corporation, the City of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, Indiana Department of Commerce, employees of Eli Lilly & Company, National Starch and General Motors, the Community Advisory Panel, West Indianapolis Parks Advisory Council, West Indianapolis Neighborhood Congress, Southwest Health Center, West Indianapolis Public Library, Indianapolis Police Department, and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful.

Meetings
WIDC’s board of directors meets at 6:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at William Penn Commons, 1925 Westview.