People

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Food Justice

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Community Empowerment

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People ● Food Justice ● Community Empowerment ●

Who We Are

At Northend Christian CDC (NECCDC), we are proud owners and operators of the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm (OAUF), situated within our ten-acre campus in the Historic North End of Detroit. Our journey began in 1999 when Reverend Bertha L. Carter embarked on a mission to feed the homeless in the Northend Historic Community. Starting from the back of her van, she provided food items sourced from Kroger's meat packing houses and bakeries. Over time, Reverend Carter's vision expanded, leading to the establishment of NECCDC as a 501(C)3 non-profit organization in 2000.

Cultivating People, Food, & Community

We firmly believe in celebrating the life and art of our community, challenging the traditional narrative that often defines our neighborhood solely based on poverty, crime rates, and substandard housing. Instead, we recognize that the talents and aspirations of our community residents are the Northend's greatest assets.

What We Do

Developing the HistoricNorthend Community

We implement interactive youth development programs for students aged 5 to 24, create green job opportunities, provide quality housing, disseminate resources for the underserved, and promote healthy lifestyles through sustainable agriculture, education, and community beautification.

Our multi-faceted approach to community development focuses on four main objectives: Youth Development, Food Justice, Workforce Development, and Community Development. Through these pillars, we strive to revitalize our beloved historic Northend community.

  • Oakland Avenue Urban Farm

    For over a decade, Oakland Avenue Urban Farm (OAUF) has been a pillar of resilience in Detroit’s historic North End, fostering stability and growth in the face of economic challenges. As the hub of a thriving Food Value Chain, OAUF leverages a nationally and internationally recognized model as an equitable Community Food Hub, blending agriculture, art, architecture, and sustainability to create a dynamic agri-cultural landscape.

    Learn More

  • Detroit Cultivator Community Land Trust

    Founded in 2020, the Detroit Cultivator Community Land Trust (DCCLT) is a first-of-its-kind initiative dedicated to equitable development in Detroit’s North End. Managing over 50 city lots spanning 10 acres, DCCLT preserves land in public trust to ensure long-term affordability, protect against speculation, and sustain community-driven growth.

    Learn More

We’re Turning 25 & You’re Invited!

WHEN:

Saturday, September 27, 2025
3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

WHERE:

Oakland Avenue Urban Farm
9227 Goodwin Street, Detroit, MI

FREE EVENT:

Everyone is welcome, and no ticket is required—but RSVPs are.

WHAT:

Join us for Soles in the Garden—a free, community-centered celebration of 25 years of legacy, resilience, and transformation in Detroit’s North End, made possible by the generous support of our sponsors.

Since 1999, Northend Christian Development Corporation (NECCDC) has been a beacon of hope and self-determination—from feeding families out of a van to cultivating a 10-acre cultural and agricultural campus. What began with one act of love has blossomed into a movement rooted in food justice, art, youth empowerment, and land stewardship.

Now, we’re celebrating this milestone with you—the neighbors, families, artists, growers, and advocates who made it all possible. Your registration helps us plan for food, seating, and accommodations. Hit the RSVP Link Today!!!

    • Live music performances

    • Local art and live installations in the Art Alley

    • Community storytelling

    • Delicious food and refreshments

    • Raffles, giveaways, and special surprises

    • A joyful space for reflection and celebration

  • “Soles in the Garden,” honors the deep roots we’ve planted together—symbolizing 25 years of growing through struggle, blooming through partnership, and dreaming forward together.

  • Upscale casual or garden chic. Leave the work boots behind and step into celebration.

Get Involved

Join us as we work hand in hand with our neighbors to uplift & empower our community. Together, we can build a brighter future for the Historic North End of Detroit.