Safe, affordable housing is the cornerstone of success in many other aspects of life. When a resident has stable housing, they are able to focus on other things including financial security, health and wellness, and interests and hobbies. Awilda Delgado has lived in Duke Manor Apartments in Lancaster, PA for most of her life. She raised her children in the community alongside many neighbors who had children the same age, and now she is excited to have her grandchildren visit her. She has been active in her community and with her neighbors, participating in HDC’s Resident Academy of Leadership and Inspiration, community projects, and caring for the community garden.
“I love it here in the summer. You can get out of the house and do things,” she shared. “We never had the gardens before. I help with the gardens. I’m the one that’s always planting things. I love plants.”
Read Awilda’s full story in her own words here.
“I’ve lived here for 46 years. I used to live with the father of my kids. I used to live on Locust Street. I was raised in Lancaster. I’m from Puerto Rico, but I was raised here in Lancaster. I went to school here. They sent me back to Puerto Rico when I was 14 years old, when my parents separated. They took me out of school. I took care of my brothers.
I went from Puerto Rico to Brooklyn, New York. That’s where I met the father of my kids. I lived there for four or five years, and then I came back to Lancaster.
I raised my kids here. My oldest is 51, my daughter is 50, and my youngest is 46. I moved here when my youngest was 5 months old. I have eight grandkids and three great-grandkids.
I raised my three kids here. It was good at the time. I could leave my kids outside. It was better then than it is now.
I’ve moved through a few apartments. I’ve had four apartments including the one I live in now. I liked when I had three bedrooms because I had more space. I’m currently waiting for a second floor apartment because of the steps. I have asthma. It will be better.
My sister lives with me. She is disabled. She’s 60 now. She will be with me until she passes. It’s really safe here for my sister. She knows everyone around here. I tell her, don’t open the door for anyone you don’t know. She’s always looking out the window at the neighbors. She sees everybody. She knows Miss Betty’s car.
I love it here in the summer. You can get out of the house and do things. You never had the gardens before. I help with the gardens. I’m the one that’s always planting things. I love plants. I hope when they move me it will be closer to the garden.
We have our group of friends. We get together in the community with that group. Everyone who got into RALI (Resident Academy of Leadership and Inspiration), I knew them. The building that I live in, I know everyone there. I heard that another friend of ours will be moving downstairs. Their boys are very nice. If they need my help, I’ll be there.”
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:
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.
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.
Allentown, PA
Fredericksburg, PA
Lancaster, PA
