A History of Providence Housing Development Corporation
1994-2009

The writing of this history was occasioned by Providence’s 15th Anniversary celebration held on September 17, 2009.

The history begins with a brief description of the advocacy of the Catholic Church for safe, affordable housing for all throughout the first half of the 20th century.

There follows a brief description of the evolution of opportunities beginning in the early 1960’s for the involvement of not-for-profit organizations in low income housing development.

The early Church efforts are described – the establishment in 1968 of the Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation, Inc., a joint effort of the Rochester Episcopal and Catholic Diocese, and the evolution of Christopher Community in the Syracuse Catholic Diocese.

Within this context are described the events which led to the establishment of Providence in 1994 as an affiliate of Rochester Diocesan Catholic Charities.

The book then describes the various elements of the organizational evolution of Providence, and provides a history of the four major program areas of its work: project development, property management, the Shelter + Care program and the Homeownership program.

Since 1994, the organization has secured $115 million in funding for 758 housing units, has leveraged $25 million in affordable mortgages for 400 first-time homebuyers, and has supported nearly 300 families in recovery. Currently, Providence manages 17 communities offering 551 quality affordable units to nearly 2,000 children, women and men.