Better Community Development

Since 1981, BCD has served the disadvantaged of Little Rock’s 12th Street Corridor. BCD, Inc. began as Black Community Developers. It was initially an outreach program of Theressa Hoover Memorial United Methodist Church. In 2010, BCD became Better Community Development. This name change served to reflect the inclusive nature of BCD’s programs. In 1992, Rev. Dr. William H. Robinson, Jr. formed the Fighting Back Initiative. Funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and an alliance with the City of Little Rock made the program possible. In later years, it would evolve into the Neighborhood Support Center. State, federal, and private support along with a half-cent tax were the primary sources of funding. As a result of a partnership with the City and HUD, the Hoover Treatment Center was created. The Center provides outpatient and residential services for people with substance abuse problems. The Center also includes a homeless shelter, an HIV/AIDS ministry, job training, and permanent and supportive housing. Not only do BCD’s programs impact the lives of individuals but extend into the community’s infrastructure. Building affordable housing for low-to-moderate-income families makes a great impact south of 630. The Affordable Housing Program is certified by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority to provide monthly homebuyer-education courses. Participants become eligible for state grants to assist with home-buying costs. Instructors are volunteers from four area banks who assess the curriculum. Today, BCD is expanding its reach and vision to include even more important challenges facing the city. Its latest expansion, the Empowerment Center, houses a state-licensed treatment program and permanent housing for people with special needs. It provides a revitalized facility for career, life skills, and technology training. It also focuses on environmental issues right in the heart of the same neighborhood where BCD was created.