Who we are.

As a pioneering example of a faith-inspired movement, we empower residents to transcend the historical underinvestment in our communities. Our commitment is to foster legacies of wealth that span generations, nurturing a brighter future for all.

Lawndale Christian Development Corporation was established in 1987 by the Lawndale Christian Community Church to fulfill the call to justice detailed in Micah 6:8

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humblywith your God."

LCDC organizes with the community for power to eliminate health and wealth disparities in North Lawndale. We develop and manage affordable mixed-use housing, create homeownership for working families, and build cooperative businesses.

Our Origin Story

Rooted in a deep-seated commitment to community upliftment, the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation (LCDC) emerged from Wayne “Coach” Gordon and his wife Anne's vision in 1975. Their initiative grew from a home-based bible study to the Lawndale Christian Community Church, instrumental in revitalizing Chicago’s West Side by providing affordable housing and fostering a supportive community network.

Expanding its mission, LCDC, founded in 1987, has revitalized North Lawndale through substantial redevelopment initiatives, infusing over $40 million into the area under Richard Townsell’s leadership. This growth included broadening educational and employment programs, pivotal for community empowerment.

Through successive leadership, LCDC has championed the creation of significant residential developments, contributing over 360 units of affordable housing and over $100 million in community investments. Today, under Townsell's renewed leadership, LCDC continues to forge a legacy of intergenerational wealth and social resilience, embodying the spirit of service and faith-based action.

300
Affordable Residential Units Developed
4
Worker owned Cooperative Businesses Incubated
250
HOA Members Organized
130
Residential Properties Constructed
"LCDC was invaluable in our journey to homeownership. They guided us through every step, making affordable housing accessible. Thanks to their support, we're now proud homeowners in a great community. We're deeply grateful to LCDC!"
Aisha  Bashar
Utilized LCDC's Services
For Home Ownership

meet the team

Executive Director
Richard Townsell
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Deputy Director & Counsel
Whittney Smith
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Director of Accounting
Anthony Pegues
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Director of Operations
Richelle Harris
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Administrative Assistant
Kevin Hyland
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Economic Development Coordinator
Brian Tyler
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Homebuyer Outreach & Training Specialist
Pamela Bell
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Communications Coordinator
Diamond Jackson
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Reclaiming North Lawndale Project Director
Adjua Adjei-Danso
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Property Manager
Janet Gonzalez
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Project Manager
Peter Tate
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Construction Manager
Carlos Lucero
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Director of Financial Wellness
Stephanie Gill
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Senior Property Manager
Brandon Johnson
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Supervisor of Maintenance
George Clopton
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Maintenance
Phillip Hodges
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Assistant Property Manager
Sherron Bond
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Maintenance
Cleve Jackson
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Maintenance
John Raggs
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board of directors

President
Shangwe' Parker
Served since 2019. A real estate and property management professional. After 14 years with The Habitat Company, Mr. Parker is now running his own leasing and management company. Community member.
Board Member
Shawauna Ward
Served since 2020. Banker at PNC Bank and community member.
Board Member
Khirey Floyd
Served since 2022. Attorney
Board Member
Ava Shelby
Served since 2019. Marketing expert.
Board Member
Michael McMurray
Served since 2022. Attorney at Wight and Company.
Board Member
Charisse A. Dower
Served since 2019.
Board Member
Kelly Smith
Served since 2018. President and CEO of Safe Passage Transit LLC. Community member.
Treasurer
Janet Ford
Served since 2020. Accounting and insurance professional who currently runs a tax return business and owns a Farmer’s Insurance agency. Community member.

Sister organizations

Lawndale Christian Community Church
Lawndale Christian Community Church
Lawndale Christian Community Church