We believe that collective action is key to creating a more just and vibrant community.

Through leadership development and other support, community organizers can help residents build on their own strengths, give voice to their own needs, come up with solutions to problems and take actions that result in a better community.

Communication with and leadership development among residents in JPNDC-developed housing and people who participate in JPNDC programs should guide our selection and direction of projects and initiatives.

We believe that all members of a community should have access to opportunities that allow them to increase their income and assets.

Because the economic system creates and perpetuates inequality, systemic barriers to opportunity must be actively addressed in order to create racial and economic justice.

Equal access to resources and opportunities includes access to healthy outdoor spaces and indoor environments.

Thriving independent, local businesses that reflect and serve the community’s diverse residents are essential ingredients of a healthy community.

We value and support entrepreneurism among community members as a path to economic success for small business owners and a source of jobs, goods and services for all residents.

We believe that communities are stronger when people’s different identities are honored and people with diverse perspectives shape future directions.

We have a responsibility to examine our practice to create as inclusive an organization as possible, particularly in relationship to the participation and leadership of low-income people, people of color, immigrants and women.

In order to create the impact we seek, we must engage in honest communication as a community and engage community members to learn with us—even and especially when difficult decisions must be made.

We believe that the issues our community faces require bold and creative approaches and that we must be willing to take risks in order to find real solutions.

Seeking and nurturing collaborative relationships with those who share our values, and working hand in hand with partners, makes our organization stronger and our impact greater.

We believe in applying these values internally and externally, so that our work in planning and practice sharpens and deepens our impact and fosters continuous improvement and creativity.