Founded in 1967 to serve low and moderate-income residents in Chicago’s West Town, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, Hermosa, and Avondale communities, Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation has produced more than 1,328 affordable homes and rental units. Membership and voting privileges are extended to individuals who live or work in the target area as well as organizations operating there. In 1992, Bickerdike developed the food market El Mercado, where locally owned Cermak Produce serves as the anchor business, employs over 50 people, and is committed to ensuring that at least 75 percent of its jobs are filled by local residents. Bickerdike also owns the social enterprise Humboldt Construction. The company, incorporated in 1981, provides union construction jobs and contracting services for Bickerdike and employs an average of 15 carpenters annually.