ECDC was established in 1983 as a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) community-based organization to respond to the needs of a growing Ethiopian community both in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and across the United States.
Since its founding, ECDC has served newcomers representing diverse cultural backgrounds from around the world. Working locally, regionally and nationally, ECDC is a domestic, non-governmental organization authorized by the U.S. Department of State to resettle refugees. Our public education program aims to increase awareness within the wider community and among mainstream organizations about issues of concern to the newcomer community, and to African refugees and immigrants.
ECDC serves the African immigrant and refugee community in the U.S. through a broad spectrum of local and national programs.
These programs assist newcomers and improve their quality of life by helping them become productive individuals who give back to their community. On a national level, ECDC resettles refugees from around the world through a network of community-based affiliates and serves as a voice for African newcomers.