Changes!

WCDP has been on a bit of a hiatus for a couple years. We are working on reimagining ourselves in this new world we are living in. As founder and director, I am hoping to revitalize this organization with a new focus and a more refined purpose.

Some of the thoughts I have had over the past several years include shifting our work from Uganda, to somewhere closer in the Western Hemisphere. Though I have enjoyed working with the communities of Uganda, it is costly to travel back and forth to check on progress, and frankly there seems to be a shortage of enthusiasm on the part of donors to fund these projects.

I was contemplating work in Haiti, especially after the hurricanes that devastated the country in recent years. This is still an option as the need continues, but the urgency and public awareness has waned. I do have contacts with people working in the country and if we are able to develop a good program with a community there, we will certainly include it among our options.

The current trajectory of the organization, and its founder, seem to be leading to Detroit. There is a lot of work to be done there and a lot of enthusiasm about the city. Is it finally having its long sought after renaissance? WCDP would like to move to support the current efforts and see what contributions we can provide to ensuring success.

Issues that WCDP may be engaged in include the following:

• Affordable housing for first-time buyers - working with the Detroit Land Bank to help keep some of Detroit's unique houses renovated and occupied by local residents

• Business development - finding ways to grow the business districts around the city to support job growth and entrepreneurial interests

• Urban farming - encouraging local production and the establishment of farmers markets to provide healthy foods in the food deserts of the city.

• Establishment of micro-grids for shared community solar power

• City beautification - clean-up of abandoned lots and parks, promotion of residential landscaping and gardening, support of local public art

These areas align well with the WCDP mission and may lend themselves to the Harmony Villages project.

This is a project that focuses on 6 key areas of development and growth of a community:

• Sustenance - Food and Sanitation (organic, closed systems, recycling of waste)

• Sanctuary - Shelter (durable, resilient and from locally sourced building products)

• Resources - Energy and Water (clean and sustainable)

• Enjoyment - Health, Happiness and Recreation

• Prosperity - Equitable education and employment access

• Appreciation - Of nature, art and culture

Though designed to be implemented in East Africa, the principles can apply to small towns and neighborhoods within big cities. This might be the best direction for WCDP to take.