A home that is safe, welcoming, and affordable is the cornerstone of success in other areas of life. For Joan, a resident at Southgate Apartments in Berks County, her centrally located affordable apartment has helped her stay connected to her community – both inside her apartment complex and beyond it.
“I’m busy,” she shared. “I have a full life.”
She says that the affordability and the location of her apartment is what gives her the freedom to engage with her passions and be so involved with her neighbors.
“This apartment has been a God send. It gives me a lot of flexibility,” she says. “The affordability is unparalleled.”
Joan was a member of HDC’s Resident Advisory Council during its first year, sharing her unique perspective as a resident to inform decision-making at the organization. She reflects that it was an honor to participate and engage with fellow residents from other HDC affordable housing communities.
Read her full story here.
I’ve lived in my apartment for about a year and a half. I applied at three different HDC communities when I was looking, all in the Berks County area. I knew someone who lived here at Southgate and said it was nice.
I was living with my adult daughter at the time. We had been living together for four years. I helped her in the beginning when she moved down from Vermont. She moved in with me and then after I got sick, she stayed with me to help me out. At a certain point, it was like OK, someone has to go. I decided I would go. I needed to find a place. That’s when I started looking.
I kept contacting the regional manager and told her that I really wanted a one-bedroom. She called me and said there’s no one-bedrooms but there is a two-bedroom at Southgate. I went over my finances to see if I could swing it. I decided to take it but told her I wanted to get into a one-bedroom when it becomes available. I realized that one-bedroom apartments don’t open up that often. I have two dogs. I finally moved in June into a one-bedroom and I’m really happy with it.
I’m actually thrilled that I got in here. I absolutely love this complex. Our community manager is really good. I love that the community is centrally located. It’s the most convenient of the three places I applied. I really love it here and can’t imagine moving any more.
The neighbors across the hall and next door, I help them out when they need it. I do whatever I can, but I am a very busy person.
I spend time with my family and friends. I go to the theatre with my daughter. I’ll go to her place a lot to dog sit for her. I go shopping for groceries. I’m just busy and I’m glad I’m mobile yet. I’m sure at one time that will change, but I’m not there yet. I have a full life.
This apartment has been a God send. It gives me a lot of flexibility. The affordability is unparalleled.
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.
