January 2025 E-Newsletter

Happy New Year from Affordable Homes & Communities! As we reflect on 2024, we're proud of the progress we made and the connections we strengthened. From successful partnerships to memorable events, the year was full of milestones.

Thank you to all of the partners, donors, volunteers, and staff members who helped make the year one full of progress and community-building.

Check Out AHC’s Top 8 Stories of 2024

We’re excited to continue working toward our goals, always keeping our residents at the heart of everything we do. Here's to a new year of growth, community, and making a lasting impact.

Watch 2024 Year-in-Review Video

REAL ESTATE RECAP

AHC and Donaldson Impact Investments Make Milestone Acquisition

Donaldson Impact Investments partnered with Affordable Homes & Communities to acquire Country Place Apartments in Montgomery County, Maryland, securing the community's long-term affordability.

Country Place consists of 312 garden-style apartment homes, more than half of which will now be committed as affordable for the next 25 years. Amenities include a community center, gym, pool, and playground. The deal expands AHC's presence in Montgomery County and introduces onsite Resident Services programming and staff, in alignment with AHC’s five-year strategic plan.

According to Montgomery County's Department of Housing and Community Affairs, this is the only transaction ever executed with the County's By-Right Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program coupled with market rate equity, which was provided by New York Life and Declaration Partners. This innovative deal was featured in the Washington Business Journal, Commercial Observer, and Commercial Real Estate Direct.

FHLBank Atlanta Awards AHC Funds

In December, Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta announced an award of $768,666 for AHC’s upcoming community with Goodwill of Greater Washington. This award was through the bank's 2024 Affordable Housing Program General Fund, which awards funds annually through a competitive application process.

AHC’s partnership with Goodwill will include 128 apartment homes, a childcare center, and a brand-new Goodwill retail and donation center. This funding award will support the construction of multifamily rental apartments at the site.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Including Community in Development

Paul Bernard, AHC President & CEO, moderated a training webinar with the Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers (HAND) on the importance of including community voices throughout the entire development process.

Attendees learned key engagement strategies to ensure successful projects, reduce costs, and foster lasting relationships. The discussion also explored how open dialogue can strengthen resident services programming after the project is completed.

AHC Leadership in the Media

Affordable Housing Finance interviewed Paul Bernard, AHC President & CEO, and other industry experts about what affordable housing challenges they anticipate in 2025. Paul emphasized that rising costs and a lack of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits present barriers to affordable housing development.

Read the Full Article

NEWS NUGGETS

CCR LIT Visits Science Festival

AHC students attended Virginia Tech's annual Science Festival, an unforgettable experience that included an overnight stay hosted by the university. Fifth graders enrolled in our College & Career Readiness Leaders in Training (CCR LIT) program had an amazing time exploring new ideas and engaging in hands-on activities.

Watch this video to hear what some of our students had to say about their trip to Virginia Tech.

Mindfulness & Meditation

At AHC, we’re dedicated to health and wellness through holistic services and strategic partnerships. One of our partners, the University of Maryland, Baltimore, recently led a mindfulness and meditation workshop for residents in our Women’s Empowerment program.

This workshop provided a meaningful opportunity for residents to explore ways to de-stress and find balance.

Spotlighting AHC Communities

The first Community Spotlight of 2025 is Woodbury Park and The Frederick. Hear from Esther, AHC Resident Engagement Specialist for social services, about why we serve these communities together and what programs we offer.

Sigrid, AHC Resident Engagement Specialist for education, shares what Resident Services means to the residents there.

Watch the Video

GET INVOLVED

Start 2025 With Service

MLK Day of Service is this weekend! On January 18, attend a Listen & Learn event about current issues in affordable housing and assemble welcome baskets for AHC's new residents.

We also have ongoing volunteer opportunities, like helping with education programs, weekly food distributions, home grocery deliveries, and resident events. Explore our winter volunteer opportunities.

Learn more or contact [email protected] to get started.

With Thanks to You!

A huge thank you to more than 300 donors who contributed to our Blueprint to Thrive year-end campaign. We’re excited to share that we exceeded the $15,000 match challenge from John Andelin and Ginger Geoffrey and raised over $100,000 for AHC’s Resident Services, allowing us to expand vital services to more communities.

From eviction prevention and financial literacy training to food assistance and afterschool education, AHC will continue to empower our neighbors with the support and stability they need to succeed.

Donate Now

Make a Lasting Impact in 2025 — Become a Corporate Partner Today

Philanthropic support enables AHC to meet the changing needs of our community and grow our Resident Services to reach more children, families, and seniors across the Mid-Atlantic region. AHC is seeking to partner with civically minded companies interested in championing this vision. To learn more about becoming a 2025 corporate partner, contact Annie Sweeney.