History
In 1996 the Delridge corridor of West Seattle was plagued by high crime rates, urban blight and lack of basic services. A group of neighbors banded together to make their community a safer, more livable place, and the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (DNDA) was founded. Twenty years later, DNDA continues to be the voice for all members of our community, especially those populations historically underserved such as communities of color, low-income families, immigrants, refugees and youth.
As a result of cultural, language and socioeconomic barriers, not all members of the Delridge community are represented in local government, such as neighborhood councils. The unique needs and perspectives of these populations can be overlooked or entirely forgotten. DNDA strives to amplify all voices in our community. We work hard to ensure that all have access to services that help families meet their basic needs, as well as services that enrich the quality of life for the entire community.
Today, we acknowledge that our nation, region and even the Delridge neighborhood is at a crossroads. There are significant threats to the environment, affordable housing, and educational programs for at-risk youth. Much work is needed to support the successes we have achieved to date and to sustain our rich cultural heritage and lively, vibrant community. DNDA is poised to effectively partner with, advocate for, and amplify the many voices that reside in Delridge and make Southwest Seattle their home.
1996
Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (DNDA) is founded
2001
DNDA invests in affordable housing properties, including Holden Manor, McLean Apartments, Centerwood and Delridge Heights
2003
Cooper Elementary School, now Youngstown, is added to the National Register of Historic Places
2006
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center is opened
2014
DNDA hosts the Delridge Mural Project at Youngstown along Delridge Way SW
2015
DNDA acquires outright ownership of Youngstown’s first floor
2016
DNDA merges with Nature Consortium
The Delridge Wetland Park project begins
DNDA hosts the first Destination Delridge fundraising event
2017
DNDA gains ownership of all housing sites from 2001 investments
The Youngstown Cultural Arts Center building turns 100 years old
2018