OUR MISSION:
Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC) is a grassroots, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Our mission is to preserve, protect, and promote Chinatown as a viable ethnic, residential, and business community.
Established in 1966, PCDC is the only institution in Chinatown that addresses the needs of urban renewal and affordable housing development. With our bilingual capacity, we are advocates for the 37,000 Chinese Americans in Philadelphia. PCDC provides a comprehensive approach to meet the need for cultural and economic development of the Chinatown commercial corridor.
Our bilingual (English and Chinese) services serve over 2,000 clients per year. Our language-accessible programs and resources help clients overcome language and cultural barriers to affordable housing, social services, economic revitalization, and neighborhood planning.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES:
Affordable Housing & Development
Since 1966, PCDC has developed over 400 units of mixed-use affordable housing including Mei Wah Yuen, Wing Wah Yuen, Hing Wah Yuen, Gim San Plaza, On Lok House, Francis House of Peace Ping’An House, and N 12th St. Family Homes.
Housing Counseling
Our HUD-certified housing counseling program provides free housing counseling service to low to moderate income families. Service includes but not limited to:
- Renters, homeowners, homebuyers one-on-one counseling and education
- Navigating housing and non-housing resources
- Assessing needs and financial situation,
- Developing goals, budget and action plan,
- Reviewing credit reports
- Assisting in applying for assistance programs.
Youth Services
Our youth services offer a Teen Club, with year-round academic after school OST program founded in 2008. PCDC offers free SAT classes, recreation, college and college trips, and career prep. Recreational activities take place at Crane Community Center (1001 Vine St.)
Family Support Services
Our family services help low-income families access better healthcare, housing, and wellness. The program includes our annual PCDC Expo, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), Chinatown Community Food Distribution events, and the Chinese Immigrant Family Wellness Initiative (CIFWI).
Neighborhood Planning & Advocacy
Our neighborhood planning and advocacy program aims to improve access to affordable housing, public space, and connectivity in Chinatown. PCDC leads community planning processes, implements the Chinatown Neighborhood Plan, and advocates for equitable development that benefits local residents and businesses.
Small Business Assistance
Our main street program provides support to Chinatown’s 400+ businesses through economic revitalization and development. Support includes
- PCDC’s $1-a-Day street cleaning program,
- Promotional events including YeShi Night market
- Technical assistance
- Free marketing and resources.
Message from the Chairman and Executive Director
Greetings Friends,
We welcome you to Chinatown, Philadelphia. After an involuntary hiatus, we are thrilled to have resumed in-person programs and services since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown in 2020. We did not go anywhere. We have been tirelessly working to tackle the challenges of the pandemic. We are filled with gratitude for your support, funding, and allyship during this period of crisis. We are proof that a network of community-based organizations are critical partners to deliver government and corporate relief. Community-based organizations like ours have the trust and necessary neighborhood, cultural, and language competencies.
PCDC identified the pandemic challenges and designed the solutions. When immigrants could not register for the vaccine rollout due to language and IT barriers, PCDC launched the first multilingual vaccination site. We vaccinated 4,500 adults and children with nearly 7,000 doses. We continue our weekly clinic. PCDC was one of fourteen agencies the City selected to give direct financial relief to families who were not eligible for government relief. With supplies from the Share Food Program, PCDC launched a weekly food distribution site that provides culturally appropriate foods. PCDC translated materials at the beginning of the pandemic when government language access was lagging. We organized against anti-Asian hate and brought attention to the harm experienced by victims. We leveraged our capacity with the African Caribbean Association of North America and Southwest CDC to tackle poverty across the City. We launched the Chinese Immigrant Family Wellness Initiative to treat mental illness and stress.
In the midst of the pandemic, PCDC continues its long-term work. We cut the ribbon for the completion of the KaBoom and William Penn Foundation-funded children’s play area, Chinatown PlayZa. We are developing 14 units of scattered-site affordable housing. We coalesced with community stakeholders to preserve city-owned land for the benefit of Chinatown. Finally, we are pursuing the capping of the Vine Street Expressway with the Reconnecting Communities grant. The capping is a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to undo the harm caused by the construction of the Vine Street Expressway. Congressman Dwight Evans created this window of opportunity for communities of color such as Chinatown and Nicetown. Embrace the Year of the Tiger, which represents a love for life, courage, and determination. Let us continue the work to preserve, protect, and promote Chinatown as a viable residential and business community; lift people out of poverty; and ensure equity and diversity for all.
We thank you again for your unwavering support.
Sincerely,
John Chin
Executive Director
Martin Chan
Chair