( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Allen Wiggins, Archbishop of Hope Church in Orlando Talks Work With Community Development
ENSPIRE Contributor: Isaac Grad
Allen Wiggins, the Archbishop of The Hope Church of Orlando, was invited to a virtual meeting called “Beyond a Sunday: The Role of the Black Church in Planning Communities”, where the important role churches play in developing their communities was discussed. Allen Wiggins discussed his crucial role in his own Washington Shores community. Archbishop Wiggins discussed the amazing work that the church has done for its community in the past 20 years. The church takes a comprehensive approach to working to transform its community. Archbishop Wiggins explained the importance of working together and focusing on the community and their needs.
Archbishop Wiggins began the Hope Center West development after realizing that Washington Shores didn’t have good access to fresh fruits and vegetables, which inspired him to contact a brand-name grocery store. He also shares his outlook on technology’s critical role in keeping his community connected. He believes faith, technology, and entrepreneurship are crucial in creating and sustaining a live, work, play, and worship community.
Over the last 20 years, Hope Center West has become a 50-acre center for the community. It features commercial businesses, small community businesses, schools, community sports and recreation centers, affordable apartments, single-family housing, and churches, it is an ecosystem that uplifts the marginalized community in Orlando. These centers and businesses provide important things for the community, whether through goods, social interaction, spiritual enlightenment, or services. “It is through the Hope Center West Model that we have had a transformative effect on the Washington Shores Community, not solely because of our investment, but the inspiration and encouragement our work has had upon others.”
“Transforming the Washington Shores community by meeting the needs of the total man. We had to address the obvious needs of our community and inspire hope in our residents that this could be a better place for planning and development. It was the ‘plight of building a community from the inside out.’ For this reason, the first-generation ministry model was targeted toward uplifting hope, and its immediate community under his leadership was named Hope Center West (HCW).”
Archbishop Wiggins noticed the lack of major commercial establishments in the Washington Shores area and decided to do something about it. This lack of commercial establishments means the community is underserved in terms of jobs, wealth, economic growth, quality of life, and more. Along with that, the community had less access to affordable healthy food, making it a “Food Desert”. He worked with others to pitch to major grocery stores what they needed. Walmart responded, seizing the opportunity to do well by doing good. Along with eliminating the food desert, this project has created permanent jobs for residents.
“At the intersection of faith, technology, and entrepreneurship is the synergy that promotes the growth, innovation, and social cohesion of HCW. Our religious faith provides a moral compass, guiding individuals and businesses toward ethical decision-making and community service. It instills values of compassion, integrity, and unity, promoting belonging and purpose among our children, families, and within the HCW community.”
According to Archbishop Wiggins, working with technological advancements allows them to achieve development and progress. “Drawing upon innovation while staying grounded in their faith, community members can build a sustainable ecosystem where prosperity, spirituality, and technological advancement go hand in hand, ensuring a thriving future for generations to come.”
“In summary, Faith is what shapes our beliefs and values, technology is the driver of the fourth Industrial Revolution, and entrepreneurship creates jobs and introduces new career paths. The three strands of faith, technology, and entrepreneurship tie a developing and thriving community to discovering engines that foster self-sustainability. The future of Washington Shores is bright! We are introducing homeownership opportunities, creating innovative gathering spaces for fun, fellowship, and the fostering of faith. We remain committed to decreasing the digital divide while providing a most impressive space for senior living. I’m confident that Hope Center West will continue to inspire others and be a thriving ecosystem demonstrating the power of a live, work, learn, play, and worship community.”
The nonprofit Lift is an example for all who want to develop communities. It has successfully encouraged support for building housing, early recreational centers, and a community medical care hub.
“Vision is such a powerful gift that I believe is divinely inspired. It requires the ongoing expansion of one’s faith to press through issues as they arise and ignite one’s courage to persevere.”
Archbishop Wiggins stresses the importance of capital investment in these development projects. He says it takes more than heart and vision. What drives change is the constant search for innovative means, finding and connecting with partners who care, and maintaining a determined mindset.
Hope Center West plans to increase the city’s housing stock by developing and renovating housing. Homeownership is essential and is America’s most powerful driver of wealth creation. Homeowners build equity over the years, allowing them and their children to increase earnings and access better education. “The next generation of Hope Center West will develop mixed-income housing consisting of a forward-thinking up to 100 units of ‘smart’ and ‘health intelligent’ townhome community. Nestled at the core of our development will be the state-of-the-art Technology Innovation Center—a vibrant hub of creativity, education, and inspiration for youth, families, and the greater Community.” The community is working to foster innovation and give the children a head start on their future.
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