Esperanza’s original mission, at our founding in 1987, was to confront poverty, disinvestment, blight, and lack of economic opportunity in the Hunting Park neighborhood of Philadelphia through affordable housing and economic solutions. Replacing bleak economic conditions with hope included supporting homeownership, business development, and opportunities for gainful employment. These efforts were first structured as the “Nueva Esperanza Housing and Economic Development” initiative.

Since then, Esperanza has developed a broad range of initiatives and services in our local community that focus on building assets. These include:
  • Developing residential and commercial real estate, and bringing businesses into the neighborhood
  • Supporting the entrepreneurs in our main business corridor
  • Developing our headquarters on its 10-acre campus
  • Carrying out a comprehensive neighborhood plan in 2012
The history, current activities, and vision for future growth all stem from a mission to transform Hunting Park into a safe and prosperous community for the families who build their lives here.