This summer, HDC was proud to showcase the significant progress made toward construction on The Apartments at College Avenue in Lancaster, Pa.
Tom Perez, Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, visited the construction site of “Phase 1” as part of the Biden-Harris administration’s “Investing in America” tour — a national initiative to highlight how the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has lowered costs, created jobs, and revitalized communities across the country.
The Apartments at College Avenue, funded in part by ARPA, represents a $23 million direct investment in the Lancaster community.
Phase 1 which transforms the former UPMC/St. Joseph’s hospital campus, will feature 64 affordable apartments, offering a diverse range of residential, retail and commercial options to meet the needs of the community. This includes retail space for local businesses. HDC is proud to partner with Steinman Foundation and United Disabilities Services on Phase One College Avenue.
This green and sustainable development is helping to drive economic growth and prosperity in Lancaster and the surrounding areas.
Alongside Lancaster City Mayor Danene Sorace, Mr. Perez joined HDC’s Chief Operating Officer, Tammie Fitzpatrick, and HDC resident Magda Miltenberger to discuss the importance of funding affordable housing through initiatives such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program and the American Rescue Plan Act.
“Many people are in my position, or even worse, and are ineligible to move into senior housing or with their families… I encourage you all to listen to other people’s stories. You can learn so much. I hope that by me speaking up, more opportunities will be made for people like me and my neighbors,” said Miltenberger, an HDC resident of Saint Peter Apartments in Lancaster County.
longside Lancaster City Mayor Danene Sorace, Mr. Perez joined HDC’s Chief Operating Officer, Tammie Fitzpatrick, and HDC resident Magda Miltenberger to discuss the importance of funding affordable housing through initiatives such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program and the American Rescue Plan Act.
“Many people are in my position, or even worse, and are ineligible to move into senior housing or with their families… I encourage you all to listen to other people’s stories. You can learn so much. I hope that by me speaking up, more opportunities will be made for people like me and my neighbors,” said Miltenberger, an HDC resident of Saint Peter Apartments in Lancaster County.
The three-phase development will eventually create 139 new affordable apartments, with another set aside for the Milagro House – a nonprofit focused on educational attainment and housing for women with children who have faced poverty and homelessness.
Fitzpatrick explained, “This project has been a labor of love and challenges — navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, rising construction costs, labor shortages, neighborhood opposition, and bureaucratic hurdles. But we, as a community, faced these challenges head-on because we have a core belief that housing is a human right and a cornerstone for growth and economic mobility.”
The Apartments at College Avenue “Phase 1” are expected to be completed by summer 2025.
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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.
