The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation (YNDC) is a citywide, multi-faceted neighborhood development organization launched in 2009 to catalyze strategic reinvestment in neighborhoods throughout the City of Youngstown. YNDC offers a broad range of programs to support catalytic reinvestment in neighborhoods and has been successful at leveraging over $15 million in reinvestment in Youngstown's neighborhoods over the past 5 years.
 
YNDC used HFFI financing to support the expansion of Roots Urban Farm and the Kitchen Incubator project in Youngstown, Ohio. Roots Urban Farm offers training in gardening, farming, and vacant land reuse to participants of all ages. The Kitchen Incubator project provides start-up businesses with facilities to create value-added food products. These projects increase the capacity of local residents to start food-based businesses. Project partners include Common Wealth Inc., Job and Family Services, the Ohio Small Business Development Center, The Ohio State University Extension, Mahoning County, and ACEnet. 
 
Projected Impacts

• Created 29 part-time and 29 full-time positions, primarily through entrepreneur support
• Expand local food offerings in corner stores and other retail outlets that will make fresh, affordable, nutritious food available to residents in food deserts throughout the City
• Create entrepreneurship opportunities and train entrepreneurs for full-time employment in sustainable small businesses

Source of money: HFFI CED Program; Fiscal year(s): 2012