We believe that community residents should be both participants in and beneficiaries of neighborhood revitalization. Our mission is centered around the redevelopment of our communities by and for the low and moderate-income people who live in these areas.

It is the commitment and involvement of stakeholders that makes our housing stronger and our neighborhoods better places to live. Bickerdike's emphasis on empowerment of the people who live in our community is built into the structure of our organization:

• Community involvement is reflected in the composition of our staff and board and our reliance on our membership and volunteer committees to guide our work;
  
  
• Our housing development activity is interwoven with other strategies for improving life in our communities--strategies that range from job creation and employment training to community gardening and public safety organizing;
  
  
• Our programs reflect the diverse needs of our community.

Through housing development and preservaton, property and asset management, economic development, leadership development and organizing, we work day-by-day and block-by-block to create opportunities for residents in West Town, Humboldt Park, Logan Square and Hermosa.