By Victoria Villaseñor

Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission it is to preserve the Puerto Rican community of Boston’s South End through various social, economic, and cultural programs. IBA was established in 1968 by community activists to prevent urbanization encroachment on their historically low-income neighborhood. After years battle with the Boston Redevelopment Authority, IBA and the South End community achieved full authority over the redevelopment of their residential space. The construction of Villa Victoria apartment complex and community center marked the beginning of comprehensive approach to strengthen the South End community for the future. IBA is the first CDC in the northeast to successfully lead a major housing project with a wide array of social services.