Preservation of affordable housing is an important part of the work we do at HDC to ensure the longevity and continued affordability of apartments for the future. In March, HDC, in partnership with Mission First Housing Group, closed on the Chester County Preservation Initiative, which will rehabilitate and preserve 97 apartments in three communities in Southeastern PA. The three communities involved in this effort are Ash Park Terrace and Washington House Apartments in Coatesville, and Oak Place/Hannum Gardens in West Chester.
This $20.5 million project, which is funded through a 4% low-income housing tax credit program, is unique in that it is the first of its kind where HDC has formally partnered with another nonprofit to complete it. The Housing Authority of Chester County (HACC), which was the former owner of these properties, issued a Request for Proposals and selected HDC and Mission First Housing Group as co-general partners. HACC was also instrumental in helping to convert existing public housing rental assistance contracts to HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration program, which will increase the properties’ accounting and property management efficiencies over time. This was also the first time HDC was able to complete this conversion.
Renovations will include various apartment upgrades, energy efficiencies, and improvements to basic systems that will extend the life of these communities by 30 years. It will also provide funding for Resident Services at the properties for the next 15 years, ensuring residents can access programs and services to support all aspects of their lives beyond housing.
We are honored to continue providing our residents with a quality standard of living in our communities, and the security of knowing their homes will remain affordable for the foreseeable future.
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:
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.
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.
Allentown, PA
Fredericksburg, PA
Lancaster, PA
