ECDC's Mission

The Ethiopian Community Development Council, Inc. (ECDC) was established in 1983 as a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) community-based organization and today serves as one of 10 Resettlement Agencies authorized by the U.S. State Department to resettle refugees. ECDC was initially established to address the needs of the growing Ethiopian population but has since expanded its mission to serve newcomers from diverse cultural backgrounds and different parts of the world.

On June 17, 2024, ECDC marked a milestone with the opening of its eighth branch office, the ECDC-Houston Multicultural Center (HMC). This new branch represents a significant step forward in ECDC’s commitment to providing essential support to refugees and immigrants in Houston. Under the leadership of Miriam Diria, a seasoned professional with nearly three decades of experience in resettlement, the center prepared to welcome its first families just one month after opening.

Dr. Tsehaye Teferra, President and CEO of ECDC, praised the swift and seamless preparations made by the Houston team, highlighting the dedication of staff and stakeholders. He emphasized that the center embodies ECDC’s mission to provide essential services and foster resilience among newcomers. By opening HMC, ECDC continues its legacy of service and strengthens its impact in the Houston community, reaffirming its unwavering dedication to supporting refugees and immigrants as they build new lives in the United States.

History