Last month, HDC received a $1 million award for Cornerstone at 6th and Chestnut in Reading, Pa., from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development as part of the Local Share Account funding. 

This funding will bolster the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit application for the new senior community and will create 48 affordable apartments, complete with on-site management and supportive services. 

Timing was on our side, as HDC President and CEO Dana Hanchin shared this announcement at a networking event held at our Penns Commons property in Reading City, just one day after receiving the news. 

“Our goal is for residents to achieve their own personal success and have the power to make choices about their future,” said Hanchin. 

We partnered with Barrio Alegría, Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Berks, and Landis Communities to host the event—building new connections, strengthening existing partnerships, and expanding our network of local businesses, organizations, and advocates to continue learning from and building roots in the communities we serve. 

In Berks County alone, HDC owns or operates 7 communities, totaling 350 apartments and serving 450 residents. 

One HDC resident, Sandie Geib from Southgate Apartments, shared her story with attendees in support of more affordable housing across the county: 

“People don’t realize what being poor can do to you. It’s embarrassing, humiliating; it’s a horrible place to be,” she said. “Affordable housing takes some of those worries away. Now I can afford to live comfortably and modestly at a reasonable cost. I can keep my dignity.”