History

In the summer of 1989, a group of individuals met to contemplate the creation of a community development organization. The group consisted of Cliff Boxley, Trevor Burrows, Robert Jones, Dyanne Ladine, Beth Leder-Pack, Jane Leech, Barbara Mouton, Acanio Piomelli, Majoriel Wallace and William Webster.

The outcome was the formation of a membership-based Community Development Corporation (CDC) in August 1991. East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPA CAN DO) was incorporated as a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization.

Community Development Corporations (CDC’s) are usually neighborhood based, consisting of local residents, representatives of other community groups, non-profits and businesses. CDC’s are usually not for profit organizations that can address affordable housing development and other issues depending on particular neighborhood needs.

EPA CAN DO’s primary objectives and purposes were, and still remain, the same as they have been over the last 14 years.

Accomplishments

• EPA CAN DO incorporation, August 24, 1991
• Since 2002, conducted six Town Hall meetings to discuss housing issues.
• Sponsored Home Buyer’s Fairs.
• Developed 336 affordable housing units year-to-date.
• Assisted the City of East Palo Alto in implementing its Below Market Rate Housing (Central Wait List) program by placing 40 below market rate units.
• Launched the Anti-Predatory Lending Program to assist victims of predatory lending.
• Initiated development of a Housing Coalition to advocate affordable housing in East Palo Alto.
• After 10 years developed Nugent Square, 32 affordable housing units.
• Established a Farmers' Market.
• Established a Local Business Directory.
• From 2000 to present, sponsored home buyer and credit/budget financial literacy workshops which has helped over 3,200 people