05 May RBCDC Named Winner of the 2017 FCDA’s Non-Profit Diamond Award

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Riviera Beach Community Development Corporation (RBCDC) has been named the winner of the 2017 Florida Community Development Association’s Non-Profit Diamond Award for its outstanding achievements in community redevelopment and revitalization.

Each year, the FCDA Awards Committee reviews dozens of entries submitted by community serving non-profits across the State of Florida. The Diamond Award recognizes those non-profits that excel in delivering community development programs that meet the needs of low-to-moderate income populations. The award shines a light on organizations that play an integral role in the development of programs, projects or services that demonstrate the exemplary use of local, state or federal funds. Winners of the FCDA Diamond Award are also evaluated on how effectively their programs maximize collaborations and partnerships with community agencies.

The 2017 FCDA Non-Profit Diamond Award was presented at their Annual Conference, held in Lake Mary, FL, from April 26 to 28. Annetta Jenkins, Executive Director, accepted the award.

After being awarded a $1,014,152 HOME grant from Palm Beach County Department of Economic Sustainability in October 2013, the RBCDC leveraged its resources through Comerica Bank and BB & T Bank to construct five homes, identify low-to-moderate income, first time homebuyers, and provide homebuyer education and credit counseling. The collaboration on this project entailed developing partnerships with government and lending institutions, general contractors, realtors, and credit counselors. As of February 2017, the five newly constructed, energy efficient homes have been sold to local, first time homebuyers. These attractive 3 and 4 bedroom homes have set a new standard for the waiting list of buyers in the newly established Riviera Beach Homebuyers Club.

In completing this project, the CDC has demonstrated that improving the community and making it possible for families to realize their dream of homeownership can become a reality with an integrated system of resources.

Florida Community Development Association
The FCDA provides a platform for community development professionals to get together and discuss how to best handle their similar challenges to accomplishing their respective community development and economic development program goals. Learn more about the FCDA by calling 386-322-3787 or by visiting www.fcda-online.org.