The 8 Principles of CCDA have been instrumental in shaping Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity’s Neighborhood Impact Department. These principles have guided our work in holistic neighborhood revitalization, even if the residents in our focus neighborhoods may not know them by name.

CCDA, the Christian Community Development Association, was founded by Wayne Gordon and John M. Perkins, two influential activists who have dedicated their lives to helping communities thrive. Their work has empowered individuals and neighborhoods across the U.S. and beyond, demonstrating love for God through tangible actions that uplift their neighbors.

Here are CCDA's 8 Principles, which serve as a foundation for our work:

1. Relocation – Living among the community.
2. Reconciliation – Building bridges across racial, economic, and social divisions.
3. Redistribution – Creating just economic opportunities for all.
4. Leadership Development – Equipping local leaders to drive change.
5. Listening to the Community – Prioritizing the voices of residents.
6. A Wholistic Approach – Addressing physical, spiritual, and economic needs together.
7. Being Church-Based – Rooting transformation in faith communities.
8. Empowerment – Partnering with, not doing for, the community.

One resource that has been especially meaningful for our staff is Making Neighborhoods Whole: A Handbook for Christian Community Development by Gordon and Perkins. We encourage you to check it out to dive deeper into these principles!

In the coming months, we’ll be sharing real-life examples of how these principles have come to life in our community. We’ll also highlight key takeaways from past CCDA Conferences, where our team has learned from inspiring leaders across the country.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us—stay tuned for more!