About HOPE CENTER WEST
Hope Center West (HCW) evolved out of the need to address the many challenges that faced a declining community. Under the visionary leadership of Bishop Allen Wiggins, what first began as a church addressing the basic needs of it’s community has now catapulted into a model for transformation called Hope Center West. HCW coalesces related entities and endeavors in a concentrated identified footprint and unites them via one succinct vision which is comprehensive in its approach. Resting on five impactful pillars of change, HCW is a live, work, play, learn and worship community. HCW is leaving its fingerprint on Orlando’s Greater Washington Shores Community and modeling the creation of healthy, stable and prospering community.
A Word From Hope Center West Founder
In the wealthiest country in the world, we have the collective resources to make sure that everyone has a fair shot at their American Dream. Yet the playing field is still tipped against a
large number of people in communities all across our country.
Warren Buffett, Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and a co-founder of Purpose Built
Communities.
I believe, innately and generally, people are good! The inner fulfillment that comes from, not only, “being your brother’s keeper”, but also, “helping your brother” can not be placed into words. Over the past couple of decades we have had to leverage our lean resources in order to realize that we could build our community from “the inside out” with faith, sacrifice, and determination. Making this commitment to better has led to an urban intelligence and education of practical “needs based” solutions, that could not be ignored, until “place based” development could be experienced. Although our approach is holistic or comprehensive in it’s nature, our success rests on the foundation of a heart to help. I hope and pray that through the sharing of our stories and strategies others will be encouraged and empowered to make a difference in the communities they serve.
What’s Next for Hope Center West Orlando?
An aggressive upgraded expansion plan is underway. This plan will reformat the HCW campus displaying “best in class” programs and approaches in each of the supportive pillars:
HOUSING: The replacement of aged housing with energy efficient green housing made available for fee simple and rental opportunities.
WORK: Leveraging current traffic counts and foot traffic in order to attract national brand retailers and intentionally featuring “best in community” businesses which will lead to increased employment and community revenues.
PLAY: Recreation that promotes physical activity and a health conscious environment is most critical to producing a desirous community. HCW will highlight non-traditional urban sports, fleet farming, hydroponics and casual physical activities fostering neighbor relationships.
LEARN: The presentation of a seamless educational pipeline that integrates the private and public sector, customary and cutting-edge teaching techniques in this next phase of the development will ensure a perpetual ROI.
WORSHIP: “To educate a man in mind and not morals is to educate a menace to society.” These words spoken by Theodore Roosevelt are consistent with HCW’s philosophy for transforming buildings and people. HCW believes that the church must be purposefully and conspicuously present.