Storytelling can be a powerful tool for self-expression that demonstrates the impact housing can have on an individual’s life. HDC’s storytelling project supports residents who are interested in sharing their personal narratives with the public to give a face to the issue of affordable housing.
Two Quaker Arts residents agreed to share their stories and their art at the grand opening celebration on March 8. Kurtis Conix and Brian Mack took to the podium to speak with the group of supporters, partners, and friends about their personal experiences finding housing and what it will help them do in the future.
Kurtis Conix is originally from Philadelphia and moved into his apartment at Quaker Arts in February 2023. He was encouraged to look into affordable housing opportunities in Wilmington by a friend who lived in similar artist-preference housing in Washington, DC.
“I looked it up and was like, ‘Wow, they have it. It’s not done, but they will have it,’” he said at the event. “I’m trying to give myself more value, more worth, more confidence…I’m heavily involved in creating my future.”
In addition to speaking, Kurtis also displayed some of his fashion designs in one of Quaker Arts many workspaces—demonstrating how this flexible space can be used by resident artists.
Brian Mack, who grew up in Washington, DC and Wilmington, is a poet who moved into his apartment in January 2023. He capped off the presentation of speakers with a poem he wrote called, “The Ignorant Bumblebee.”
“I just want to thank the people at HDC. Without y’all, this wouldn’t be possible,” he said. “I just want to say you all made this for somebody like me. I appreciate you, and trust me, I’m going to take this so far into the future and help out kids and help out everybody that I can.”
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.
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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.
