June News from AHC Inc. News from AHC Inc. l June 2020 Developing affordable homes and helping communities thrive since 1975. In line with AHC’s commitment to addressing racial inequality, we are closing all AHC and AHC Management offices tomorrow in recognition of Juneteenth. We hope this can be a time to rest, reflect and listen. We'd also like to share a message from President & CEO Walter D. Webdale with you. AHC Stands Against Racial Injustice To AHC friends and supporters, The murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor are deeply horrific - and are only the most recent atrocities in our nation’s long history of systemic racism. These deaths, along with the disproportionate pain of the pandemic on people of color, shine a bright light on the impact of racial disparity. As an organization dedicated to providing affordable and stable homes for people in need, AHC Inc. does not tolerate racial injustice. We believe housing equity is critical in addressing longstanding structural racism and the equality gap in our country. Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. We also understand we have a lot more work to do. This is a moment to not only reflect on our values, but also to put them into action. AHC is committed to standing up against racism in all its forms and listening to and supporting our colleagues, neighbors, residents, and partners. We will hold ourselves accountable to ensure racial equity is embedded in our programs, operations, and corporate culture. We will intensify our efforts to ensure that all people have equal access to stable and affordable housing. And, we will help amplify our residents’ voices by promoting the importance of voting and participating in the census. Building racial equity is a journey. We are determined to move forward and take action alongside our communities, partners, residents, and staff members to create real change. Sincerely, Walter D. Webdale AHC Inc. President & CEO Video: AHC's Class of 2020 share their dreams, college choices, and thanks. Congratulations Class of 2020! Today is graduation day for AHC's Class of 2020! We are very excited and proud of them all. With 31 graduates, this is the largest College and Career Readiness class to date. We are delighted to announce that all are planning to further their education. Together, they have earned a whopping $1.24 million in scholarships and gift aid. They completed 186 applications and were accepted into 135 schools. They are a remarkable group of young people. More than 1/3 of this year's class have participated in AHC's education programs for five or more years. Eight students joined us in elementary school! As first-generation students, going to college will change their lives - as well as their families. A college degree is a critical step in overcoming systemic barriers and establishing a successful, stable and productive life. Students' dreams vary considerably. The most popular career paths include computer/IT, business/economics and medicine. Other goals include becoming a mechanical engineer, journalist, social worker, architect and lawyer. We are grateful to the mentors, volunteers, donors and partners who have contributed to our students' graduation. And to their families whose support helped every step of the way. Congratulations to all! Hear our grads share their dreams in video above. The Apex is Coming to Life; Families Moving In and New Community Partnerships Taking Root The sounds of children playing outdoors are beginning to resonate at The Apex, AHC's newest affordable apartment community in Arlington, VA. With a sport court, playground, and access to the Four Mile Run bike path, there are lots of inviting outdoor spaces. The property, which runs alongside Four Mile Run on South Glebe Road, was built with the environment in mind. The redevelopment is AHC's first property to include solar panels. The site also includes a 5,000-square-foot green roof. More than 20 families have already moved into The Apex; more are scheduled weekly. More than half of the residents who lived in the apartment community before its redevelopment are moving back into the brand new buildings. One long-time Berkeley resident said he and his family were so happy to "be home again." The location is wonderful with the Arlington Head Start program next door, Gunston Middle School nearby, and a shopping plaza across the street. The neighborhood is already welcoming residents with open arms. The Glebe & Lang Street Community Garden has offered to provide free, fresh produce to residents three times a week during the summer and fall. Thank you! Learn More about The Apex and Apply Today! Residents at MonteVerde Apartments are pitching in regularly to help with increased food distribution programs. Working Together to Combat COVID-19 We are continuing to work non-stop to help our residents weather the pandemic. In May, thanks to generous community support, AHC provided 914 households with gift cards, food, basic needs, and PPE. Our Resident Services team also worked directly with about 400 residents to connect them to services and resources, including rental assistance programs. Food is a critical concern. Thanks to an extensive network of generous providers, we are receiving daily food deliveries at many of our Baltimore properties, and at least once a week in 17 of our communities in Maryland and Virginia. We are grateful to the strong support of our local jurisdictions, which have created a variety of safety net resources, and to the many AHC donors who have stepped up to help neighbors in need. The support is making a huge difference. The vast majority of our residents are making at least partial rent payments, which will help them avoid falling too far into debt. AHC residents are also lending a hand. At several of our communities, residents are jumping in to help with the additional food distribution programs. Wearing masks and adhering to social distancing guidelines, these volunteers are much appreciated as we continue to work on multiple fronts to meet residents' needs. Support Neighbors in Need. Click here to donate to AHC's Emergency Response Fund. Supporters of the Combined Federal Campaign can pledge to AHC via CFC #77198. Thank you! AHC Inc. | 703-486-0626 | 2230 N Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA 22201 | www.ahcinc.org l DONATE NOW! ‌ ‌ ‌ AHC Inc. | 2230 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22201 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | About Constant Contact Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!