Goodwill Partnership Wins Tax Credits, Summer Camp Begins, Community Spotlight, & Get Involved! July 2024 E-Newsletter AHC & Goodwill Partnership Wins Tax Credits Virginia Housing awarded highly competitive 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to our upcoming apartment community in partnership with Goodwill of Greater Washington. The $1,950,000 annual tax credits will allow approximately $17.5 million in LIHTC equity to be invested in the project to fund the new construction of 63 apartment homes. These homes are part of the larger development that includes 128 total apartments, a childcare center, and a brand-new Goodwill retail and donation center. Next, we'll submit our application for 4% tax credits to help fund the rest of the homes.   Reading Starts with One Word When high school volunteer Aliyah Majeed-Hall noticed that many of the kids in the Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) Afterschool program had minimal access to books at home, she made a plan to help them build at-home libraries. Aliyah, an Arlington resident, created One Word Reading Initiative to gather a set of multi-level, diverse books to distribute at AHC communities during education programs and food distributions. Volunteer Arlington, an organization that connects people with local volunteer opportunities, awarded Aliyah the 2024 Youth Volunteer Service Award for her dedication to AHC’s young residents. Join us in congratulating her on this amazing achievement! Read More     REAL ESTATE RECAP Key’s Pointe Receives Funding for Next Phase Exciting news! Baltimore City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund awarded $1 million to support the next phase of Key’s Pointe, AHC’s joint venture with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City and The Michaels Organization to redevelop O’Donnell Heights, a 62-acre, 1940s public housing community on Baltimore’s southeast side. This will add 60 new homes to the 144 already completed townhome-style apartments at this community. AHC Hosts Event with HUD Earlier this month at The Spire, an AHC community in Alexandria, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a $3.5 million award to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments through the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) grant program. This will be monumental in reducing barriers to housing in our region. We were thrilled to host at The Spire, which received nearly $1 million in funding from HUD to help finance its development in 2021. Building tours after the event showcased HUD’s investment in The Spire and its 250+ residents. Collaborating for the Cause Last month, Paul Bernard, AHC President & CEO, met with Carmen Romero, Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) President & CEO, and Kamilah McAfee, Wesley Housing President & CEO, at their alma mater, Georgetown University. They met with the President’s Office to discuss possible collaborations related to affordable housing and Georgetown’s expansion of its Capitol Campus. We’re excited to explore ways we can work together for a common goal of building affordable housing where residents can thrive.   CALLING ALL CORPORATE PARTNERS Philanthropic support and partnerships are invaluable as AHC Resident Services expands to respond to the critical need for housing stability, social services, and education programs. We’re grateful for the generosity of our corporate partners who help us serve nearly 15,000 individuals each year. From matching gifts to program support, and employee opportunities, AHC wants to meet your company’s marketing goals while making a true impact in the community. Corporate donations in 2024 can receive special recognition at the AHC Annual Celebration this fall. Contact [email protected] to learn more.   NEWS NUGGETS Summer Camp Starts Up This year’s theme is “Where the Wild Things Are,” and we’re learning all about the great outdoors and nature’s creatures. Our partners are helping prepare our campers for all the fun to come. The Arlington Rotary Club assembled 120 drawstring pool bags, each with a pair of goggles, to help the kids beat the heat this summer.     Teaching Resident Rights At The Spire, an AHC community in Alexandria, we partnered with the Office of Housing of the City of Alexandria and Legal Services of Northern Virginia to bring a Tenant Rights & Responsibilities workshop to residents. Residents from multiple AHC communities in Alexandria attended and learned about legal protections for maintenance and repairs, liability of rent payments for couples/roommates, tenant responsibility over guests' behaviors, and more. The City also provided translation services in Spanish and Amharic.   Spotlighting AHC Communities Check out our newest #CommunitySpotlight! We want you to meet Alethea, the Resident Engagement Specialist at Barclay Greenmount, an AHC community in Baltimore. Alethea works onsite with our residents to build community and create lasting relationships. You’ll also meet Nancy, one of the participants in our Women’s Empowerment program. The program meets twice a month to learn from a variety of speakers and discover ways to grow and transform their lives. Watch the video.   Goals for Good Last month, we were excited to participate in the annual Arlington County Gang Prevention Task Force soccer tournament. Ten of AHC’s teen residents participated in this important event that draws attention to positive alternatives to gang involvement and the role of supportive adults in the lives of young people. AHC staff coached and supported the team. We’re proud of the teens for placing fourth!   GET INVOLVED One-Time Volunteer Opportunities Looking for ways to get involved? We need volunteers for upcoming one-time opportunities. Join us for a food distribution, community celebration, or an AHC Summer Camp activity. Learn more and sign up. Summer Snack Bags Help our campers stay energized while they learn and play by making snack bags! Learn more and sign up. We need bags for Summer Camp by July 22 and for Field Day by August 8. Welcome Baskets When families move into AHC's communities, we like to give them baskets filled with household supplies to welcome them home. Help us support AHC families in Baltimore by making welcome baskets! Learn more and sign up.   Last week we kicked off AHC Summer Camp for our youngest residents. Activities and educational games are in full swing. This week teenagers begin AHC College Bootcamp, starting with inspiring introductions to local business owners. Thank you to the many AHC donors and volunteers who help make summer memories possible! Make a Difference Today     703-486-0626 | 2230 N Fairfax Dr. Arlington, VA 22201 www.ahcinc.org | DONATE NOW! Jobs at AHC Share with a Friend AHC | 2230 North Fairfax Drive Suite 100 | Arlington, VA 22201 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice