Community Development Projects

GPCA employs a community building/community development philosophy to underpin and guide its work, including its management strategies, decision-making processes, and its interaction with the community. Community building promotes a community’s physical, economic and social development – improved housing and safety, increased financial resources for individuals and the community as a whole. Our philosophy links programs, services and activities with social reform and advocacy so that individuals, families, businesses and the community itself have the rights, responsibility and capacity to influence their circumstances of the daily lives.

Paschalville Library Renovation

In 2018, the Paschalville Library was approved by Philadelphia City Council as one of the 64 Rebuild sites, and in 2019 Mayor Jim Kenney announced a multi-million dollar investment in the Paschalville Library in Southwest Philadelphia. In 2019, Rebuild selected the Project User team led by the BFW Group / Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance (formerly Diversified Community Services) for the Paschalville Library Rebuild project. BFW/GPCA is pleased to be working with the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation and Southwest CDC as our community engagement partners.

Improvements at the site will address heating and cooling issues, modernize electrical systems, and make significant upgrades to the exterior of the building. Rebuild will fund a new roof, and replacement and restoration of the historic stained glass windows. Other planned improvements will address ADA compliance issues throughout the building and provide much needed new furniture.
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‍The $13.2 million renovations are part of the city’s Rebuild project, funded by the soda tax.
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This ‘people’s university’ is set for an overhaul. The city breaks ground on renovations to the Paschalville Free Library.
‍April 27, 2023 | Philadelphia Inquirer

Clean Corridors

At the foundation of any vital commercial corridor are clean streets, sidewalks and storefronts. Litter deters investment and creates the perception that an area is neglected and unsafe.  In order to improve the quality of life, employment opportunities and entrepreneurial opportunities for very low and moderate-income individuals and neighborhoods, we partner with the City’s Department of Commerce to support the activities of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) that provide community services such as street and sidewalk litter removal, public safety services and other public space maintenance activities.

Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC)

Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) organizations help residents learn about City programs that could benefit them. NACs provide information about initiatives to:

• Promote neighborhood sustainability
• Prevent homelessness
• Preserve housing
• Reduce energy costs
• Develop resident job skills
• Mentor youth
• Engage residents