Introducing the
Core organizers of The Bridge have been quietly working in the background to sustain its programming at 189 Washington Street while developing a comprehensive plan for cooperative development, mutual aid, and affordable housing at this property that we now own. This campaign is a direct continuation of the work we started with The Bridge, and it aims to:
- Renovate 189 Washington Street into a functional, multi-purpose hub for Crash Course Creations, Implacable Books, SOS Worcester, Project Priceless, and new cooperative projects that WYC’s incubation program develops.
- Replace SOS Worcester’s totaled outreach van by purchasing what will be the first in a fleet of cooperatively owned vehicles to support transportation, unhoused outreach, and emergency response.
- Upgrade outdated equipment by purchasing new laptops and a high-volume printer to streamline work and expand our capacity.
- Create a sustainable foundation for long-term community impact.
( to get a detailed timeline and outline of what the project entails.) Meanwhile, enjoy these two pictures showing our plans for (1) the bigger picture – structural additions to our footprint at 189 Washingston Street, and (2) a general rending of the build-out of the first-floor bookstore, community space, and mutual aid organizing hub.

Campaign Progress So Far:
• Building materials purchased: Using funds raised so far, we’ve purchased metal studs, plywood, and insulation to map out the footprint and designate areas for different programs and projects.
• Renovations underway: Construction has begun, and we’re making exciting progress toward transforming the space.
Why Stay Engaged?
• Be a part of a movement to stop gentrification in its tracks locally – Green Island is fighting to stave off the gentrification that has overrun the Kelley Square area. Unlike the situation with The Bridge, we are not at risk of losing 189 Washington Street—we own it. That means we have the opportunity to invest in this space and turn it into the community hub and defensive infrastructure against gentrification that it has the potential to be. This is a pivotal moment for our community, and we’re calling for your support once again.
• Join us at upcoming fundraising events and help us sustain this vital work.
• Be the first to hear updates as we approach the grand opening event on March 31st, 2024—mark your calendars!
Your continued support is helping us bridge the gap and bring this vision to life. Please consider contributing to the Dare to Capitalize / Bridge the Gap campaign today and sharing it with your networks.
While we plan on continuing this campaign up until the date of our planned grand-opening on March 31st, please note that we are aiming to achieve certain milestones throughout the phases of our build-out, so We are trying to gain as much support as we can before the end of 2024. There’s still a few days left to show what we can accomplish together!!!
Thank you for trusting us, believing in this work and for being part of this journey with us. Together, we’re building something powerful, sustainable, and transformative for our community.
With gratitude,
Daniel Ford
Crash Course Creations / Worcester Youth Cooperatives
“Dare to Capitalize, Bridge the Gap!”