The Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development is a critical way that community partners can support community and economic development, including affordable housing, in their local areas. Partnerships through NAP help to ensure that organizations receive the financial support they need to bring successful projects to neighborhoods throughout PA.
We are excited that PeoplesBank, A Cordorus Valley Company, recently utilized this program to support Phase 2 of the development at College Avenue, which will focus on the renovation of the Delp Wing of the St. Joseph’s Hospital main campus. A portion of the renovated space will be owned and managed by Milagro House as residential living suites for women and children as they take part in Milagro House’s program. Final details of the renovation are still being defined.
Earlier this month, HDC CEO & President Dana Hanchin gave PeoplesBank Executive Vice President & Chief Risk Officer Diane Baker a tour of the site on College Avenue to talk through the plans and demonstrate the tangible impact strong partnerships like this have in strengthening this development.
HDC is thrilled to welcome PeoplesBank on as a new partner, and we look forward to the community change we will create together in the future.
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.
