Home is about more than a place—home is feeling welcomed, belonging, and connection to others. For over twenty years our Resident Services program has created opportunities for residents to get to know each other, to build relationships with their neighbors, and to create shared aspirations for their community. This year as we celebrate our history of work alongside residents, we continue to develop new opportunities for resident leaders.
These opportunities include our partnership with NeighborWorks America and its Community Leadership Institute (CLI).
This month, six residents from three HDC communities will begin the 2021 Virtual CLI. The group will receive community building and leadership training, equipping them to work together as leaders in their communities, and to inspire and create meaningful change in their neighborhoods.
Rolio Gozalez, a resident participant from Umbrella Works Apartments in Lancaster, PA, currently volunteers in the Umbrella Works’ office and is looking forward to the leadership skills she will learn that will not only help her grow, but will help her community succeed as well. “I want to encourage the community to work together towards a common goal,” she says. The group met for their first 2021 meeting via Zoom last week (pictured).
As HDC turns 50 this year, we are excited about using the CLI as a model to launch our very own Resident Leadership Program to inspire new leaders, amplify resident voices, and create leadership opportunities for action and change. HDC will pilot the Resident Leadership Training to a group of residents at one HDC community and graduates of the Program will receive a small grant that they will use toward a community project. HDC looks forward to learning from this program and expanding the opportunity across its footprint.
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.
