Tri-City Peoples Corporation is a not-for-profit community development corporation that has provided comprehensive services to low-income and disadvantage individuals since 1966.  Community activist formed Tri- City to address the lack of affordable housing in Newark, Paterson, and Jersey City.  As the agency worked to meet the affordable housing needs of residents, a haze of frustration fueled by social and economic concerns engulfed the City of Newark.  The normal sounds of traffic, music, the smell of outdoor cooking, and people on the streets were gone.  In their place were echoes of breaking glass, sirens, and the burning stench of a failed society.  The riots of 1967 crumpled the neighborhoods of Newark's Central Ward .  Tri-City found it necessary to create social and economic programs to help residents re-direct their frustration, anger and hopelessness .  As with other efforts, Tri-City suffered its growing pains.  It took time to get "community-worthy."  Having the determination, leadership, and an ever committed and improving staff, today, Tri-City efficiently integrates comprehensive services that address the diverse needs of a continually changing community through programs in human services, community development, housing development and economic development.  The agency is one of the premier change agents in improving the quality of life for those individuals  who annually receive services from one or more of our 40 programs. 

 

A group of civil rights activists and clergy from three urban centers in Northern New Jersey formed Tri-City chapters in Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson.  By 1968, the Jersey City and Paterson chapters dissolved while the Newark-based organization thrived and succeeded in rehabilitating 300 units of housing within the Westside Park area of Newark' Central Ward.

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Of particular concern was the general health and welfare of the area's families who were living in extremely repressive economic and social conditions, and the need to create neighborhood-based direct service delivery programs designed to strengthen and lend support to needy families.  

In response, Tri-City developed and continues to provide a wide array of comprehensive social services to assist community residents.  A sixty square block area within proximity of the Park and the Newark/Irvington border was targeted.  Today, while Tri-City Peoples Corporation continues to focus its attention on the Westside Park community, it serves residents not only from the entire city of Newark, but from Irvington, East Orange and several other communities as well.

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Tri-City has as its primary mission to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged people and to advocate for and sponsor programs which assist such individuals in attaining a higher level of economic, social, educational, cultural, and spiritual well being.

Tri-City has garnered a 36-year track record of successfully effectuating positive social change for disadvantage families and individuals, and in steadfastly serving as a voice and advocate for those who are disenfranchised.  We are a strong proponent of community self help, grassroots community organizing and collaboration and coordination between community institutions.

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As an organization, we are convinced that strong families make strong communities. Toward that end, many of our program activities and services are designed to enhance family life and to contribute to the individual growth and development of individual family members.