In the heart of North Philadelphia, Esperanza is leading a comprehensive community revitalization process with the potential to become a model for change in the United States. Through programmatic and physical investments, and opportunities that allow residents to lead, Esperanza restores hope in the neighborhoods surrounding our service campus. Together, we’re writing a new narrative in Hunting Park and Feltonville.
Esperanza Housing and Economic Development (EHED) engaged more than 700 residents in the creation of a ten year neighborhood strategic plan (2012-2022, extended through 2026). The plan has already led to numerous improvements in quality of life as we “transform Hunting Park into a destination and a model neighborhood by empowering its people and fostering community engagement, economic and physical development, and education.”
A Thriving Commercial District
Our Commercial Corridor Management Program serves more than 230 small businesses along the 5th Street, Hunting Park Avenue, and Wyoming Avenue business districts. Dedicated staff provides individualized technical assistance and daily street cleaning. We’ve helped local small entrepreneurs access over one million dollars in small grants and rebates for storefront improvements!
The Hunting Park & Feltonville Business Association, the neighborhood’s only independent merchant association, was launched with support from EHED, which hosts its meetings and provides ongoing support for its growth and development.
We want this to be a place where families can enjoy a meal out together, friends can dine before an evening show, and businesses can plant roots and grow.
Real Estate Development
Esperanza’s original mission in 1987 was to confront poverty, disinvestment, blight, and a lack of economic opportunity in the Hunting Park neighborhood of Philadelphia, through affordable housing and economic solutions. Since then, Esperanza has invested significant time and energy building assets through residential and commercial real estate development.
Outreach & Engagement
Through a variety of ways, our organizing and outreach teams meet residents right where they are. Our staff are door to door, block to block ambassadors of programs and services. Whether through tree planting, food outreach, health awareness, community fairs or more – we are building relationships each day to meet the needs.
