St. James Community Development Corporation
History: The St. James Community Development Corporation was created by the membership of St. James African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church, in an effort to provide sustainable and quality core services to the community of North Central San Mateo.
Mission: The mission of the St. James Community Development Corporation is to support missions that address the social, quality of life, health, housing, and economic development issues that plague our community.
The inaugural project of the St. James CDC is the “New Beginnings” housing project. New Beginnings will offer youth who are transitioning out of the San Mateo Foster Care System, stable, permanent housing, as well as individualized wrap around supportive services. New Beginnings Housing is a small affordable housing project located in the heart of North Central, a historically redlined district and the least resourced neighborhood in the City of San Mateo. Consisting of five 264 sq. ft. units, this safe affordable housing village will be reserved for 5 young adults aging out of the foster care system, one of the highest risk groups for potential homelessness.
New Beginnings will serve as a beacon of hope for vulnerable youth aging out of foster care in the heart of our North Central neighborhood. Our area was redlined and is still grappling with resource disparities, this project represents a tangible investment in our Equity Priority Communities that have been neglected for far too long.
Read the announcement of the $375,000 grant on San Mateo Councilwoman Amourence Lee’s website.
Board of Directors
Rev. Dr. Marlyn Bussey
Founder / Executive Director
André D. Smith
Board Chairperson
Rev. Dr. Myrtle Bowen
Director
Mr. Kamal Hubbard
Director & Secretary
Dr. Olivier Flewellen
Director & Treasurer
Staff
Rev. Dr. Penny Nixon
Project Manager
New Beginnings Housing Project
Ms. Rhonda Rochon Smith
Executive Assistant
Board of Directors