HDC MidAtlantic, a member of the NeighborWorks network, was awarded $326,000 in flexible grants from the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, dba NeighborWorks America. Support will be used to advance the organization’s mission and support its services including affordable housing and community development activities.
“We could not do what we do without the support of NeighborWorks. They are a great partner that strengthens HDC MidAtlantic’s capacity to advance our mission providing affordable housing to those in need,” said HDC MidAtlantic President and CEO Dana Hanchin. “With high quality and safe housing, you can revitalize and stabilize a neighborhood and increase community connection and economic mobility. Housing stability improves the quality of life for individuals, protects lower-income residents from displacement and increases the opportunity for everyone to share in their community’s successes.”
HDC MidAtlantic will use the funds to support organizational strategic planning, preserve affordable housing, and grow resident engagement and leadership initiatives. The support includes a $4,000 grant for resident leaders living at HDC MidAtlantic’s Duke Manor Apartments in Lancaster, PA, to implement programming that connects seniors and youth in the community using outdoor space for recreation, community events and gardening.
NeighborWorks America announced $70 million in grants to its network of nearly 250 nonprofit organizations located around the country. NeighborWorks organizations will use the grants to develop and manage high-quality affordable housing, help consumers set and reach their goals through financial coaching, offer homeownership education and counseling, and revitalize and strengthen communities.
“NeighborWorks America is dedicated to ensuring these grants create opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities,” said NeighborWorks America President and CEO Marietta Rodriguez.
In fiscal year 2018, the NeighborWorks network provided 457,000 housing and counseling services; owned and managed 166,900 rental homes; and created more than 41,100 jobs.
Every voice matters. At HDC, we are committed to raising up resident voices and opening doors so that residents can actively participate in the democratic process, speak out on issues important to them and their communities, and communicate how policies affect their everyday lives. We believe it is important to make the time and space to listen, and to support resident leaders in effectively using their voices. We support resident advocacy opportunities through our Resident Academy of Leadership & Inspiration, Voter Registration Drives, and holding constituent meetings and tours with elected officials.
Allentown, PA
Fredericksburg, PA
Lancaster, PA
Finding a place to live that meets one’s basic needs and budget can feel like a never-ending challenge. The complexity of lower-income families and individuals extend far beyond simply finding a safe, affordable, and welcoming place to call home. At HDC, we are committed to being an ally in speaking to issues, programs, and policies that improve quality of life of our residents. Issues that we know are important to our residents include:
We know we can’t solve the affordable housing challenge alone. We need champions to help change the conversation around what home means and why it matters. We are committed to educating elected officials to understand the needs and challenges of their constituents. We are here to provide solutions that work and offer affordable housing expertise that demonstrates the impact policy decisions have on lower-income families, seniors and those with disabilities. We work closely with and participate in alliances and coalitions to educate and advance shared policy priorities. Our advocacy partners include:
Wendy Smith serves as the Vice President of Property Management, responsible for the overall strategic direction for HDC’s management portfolio and the organization’s largest staff team. Previously, Wendy served as Asset and Operations Manager for a leading real estate firm based in New York City which owned over 11,000 affordable homes. Since 2008, Wendy has held roles in regional level operations for commercial and for-profit housing agencies. Wendy holds a degree in International Studies.
