Who Started GEDCO?
Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation (GEDCO) was founded by Reverend Jack Sharp and clergy from 7 churches of different denominations:
- The Church of the Nativity Cedarcroft Episcopal, now known as the Churches of the Nativity and Holy Comforter
- Lutheran Church of the Holy Comforter, now known as the Churches of the Nativity and Holy Comforter
- Govans Boundary Parish United Methodist Church
- Govans Presbyterian Church
- Pleasant Hope Baptist Church
- St. Mary of the Assumption Church
- Gregory Memorial Baptist Church
Today, this group has grown to include over 55 Member Organizations.
As the founding President of GEDCO, Reverend Jack Sharp has instilled the following qualities into the organization: Boldness in Vision, Absolute Tenacity, Everlasting Spirit, Focused Leadership and Loving Compassion.
When was GEDCO founded?
GEDCO began as “Govans Ecumenical Homes” in 1984. As we continued to expand our efforts and projects as a growing nonprofit that provided affordable housing, we became a development corporation in 1991. These changes were made in order to broaden the base of community involvement and to expedite the development of new projects. GEDCO is now an independent, interfaith, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization.
GEDCO was started as a means of answering a strong community need for affordable, supportive living facilities for elderly congregants with low incomes and over 29 years has expanded to include a multitude of community engagement opportunities for older adults, emergency food and financial assistance, career counseling, permanent housing for men and women who were homeless, and those battling chronic mental illnesses.
What makes GEDCO work?
Since GEDCO was started, we have grown from the united efforts of seven churches along the York Road corridor in the Govans community of northern Baltimore City to the nonprofit we are today with over 55 Member Organizations and four programs. Through our community partnerships, our desire to serve our neighbors, and our strong team comprised of our Board of Directors, Member Organizations, staff, and volunteers, we now successfully provide community services, homeless and supportive housing, and older adult services, while also contributing to real estate development in Baltimore City.
