Our Reach

    • Provide youth and young adults opportunities to foster creativity, healthy eating and life skills. Check out our Community Garden and Departments page for more information!

    • When developing the plans for the Community Garden we conducted community surveys and meetings to receive input and buy-in for the design.

    • We love to support our small businesses! Over a dozen small businesses were highlighted during the Juneteenth festival. During Princeville Homecoming we also highlighted over 13 small businesses providing free vending and highlighted advertisements during the festival.

    • Freedom Org has acquired over 200 Acres of land for conservation and development in Edgecombe County through private sales.

    • Freedom Org was also able to acquire 4 properties through Edgecombe County Foreclosure sales to put money back into the County while preserving land for affordable housing.

    • Establishes Housing Service Programming and provides housing counseling.

    • Freedom Org is certified to accept USDA 502 Loan Applications for affordable housing.

    • Heirs Program has been developed as a part of land preservation, and Freedom has acquired several heirs' properties for redevelopment.

  • The Edgecombe County Community Forum, hosted monthly by the Edgecombe County Community Development Corporation (ECCDC) in North Carolina, is more than just a platform for dialogue—it's a catalyst for change. This initiative is dedicated to engaging, empowering, and educating community members by bringing together resources, partners, stakeholders, and residents alike.

    The forum's multifaceted approach revolves around the following pillars:

    • Hearing Community Needs: At the heart of the program lies a commitment to amplifying the voices of Edgecombe County residents. Through open forums, surveys, and community outreach efforts, ECCDC ensures that every voice is heard, and every concern is acknowledged.

    • Relating to Community and Economic Development: The forum serves as a nexus between community input and actionable development strategies. By collaborating with local government agencies, businesses, and economic development organizations, ECCDC facilitates discussions on infrastructure improvements, job training programs, small business support, and other initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth.

    • Promoting Historic and Cultural Preservation: Edgecombe County boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture that ECCDC is dedicated to preserving and celebrating. Through partnerships with historical societies, museums, and cultural institutions, the forum highlights the county's heritage through educational programs, heritage tours, and cultural events.

    • Empowering Agriculture: Agriculture is not just an industry; it's a way of life in Edgecombe County. ECCDC works closely with agricultural organizations, extension services, and local farmers to promote agricultural innovation, provide resources for small-scale farming operations, and advocate for policies that support rural development and food security.

    • Bringing in Resources and Partners: ECCDC actively collaborates with community partners, stakeholders, and resource providers to enrich the forum's offerings. From guest speakers and subject matter experts to funding opportunities and educational materials, these partnerships ensure that community members have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

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Current Climate

Based on the research conducted by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, here's what it means for Edgecombe County to be designated as a Tier 1 community: 

Tier Designation: 

  • Edgecombe County falls into the Tier 1 category, which represents the most distressed counties in North Carolina. 

  • The Tier system is used to assess economic well-being and is incorporated into various state programs to encourage economic activity in less prosperous areas of the state.

    Calculation Factors: 

  • The Tier designation is determined by considering four key factors: 

  • Average Unemployment Rate 

  • Median Household Income 

  • Percentage Growth in Population 

  • Adjusted Property Tax Base per Capita 

    Specifics for Tier 1: 

  • Being a Tier 1 community indicates that Edgecombe County faces significant economic challenges. 

  • It is among the counties with the highest unemployment rates, lower household incomes, and limited property tax base per capita.