October 2025 E-Newsletter | |
2025 AHC Annual Celebration:
Growing Together
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On October 9, AHC gathered partners, staff, and residents at The Apex in Arlington to celebrate another year of progress under the theme, "Growing Together." Leaders shared updates, achievements, and videos highlighting the ways we’re expanding our impact.
Haset Zelalem, a young AHC resident, shared her story through an essay reading, bringing a personal perspective to AHC’s impact in the community.
A heartfelt thank you to all our partners and donors who made the evening possible — and who continue to help us grow together.
| | Breaking Ground at Key's Pointe | | |
AHC is proud to celebrate the groundbreaking of the next phase at Key’s Pointe alongside Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, the Housing Authority of Baltimore City, and The Michaels Organization. This $36 million redevelopment in Southeast Baltimore will add 60 new affordable apartment homes and critical infrastructure improvements as part of the multi-phase revitalization of O’Donnell Heights.
“This project reflects our long-standing commitment to O’Donnell Heights, and we’re honored to work with our partners to create quality, affordable homes where families can build their futures and thrive,” Mary Claire Davis, AHC Vice President of Real Estate Development, said.
| | Goodwill’s Arlington Flagship to Close for Redevelopment | | |
Goodwill of Greater Washington announced that its flagship store at 10 South Glebe Road in Arlington will temporarily close on October 27, 2025, to make way for a redevelopment project.
In partnership with Affordable Homes & Communities, the site will be transformed into a first-of-its-kind facility combining 128 units of affordable housing with a modernized Goodwill retail store and donation center, plus an onsite childcare facility.
Construction begins this winter, with the new retail store opening by late 2027 and residents moving in during 2028.
Read more and watch NBC4 Washington’s feature on this project.
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Over the past few weeks, AHC team members participated in a two-part learning series on affordable housing with David Roodberg, AHC consultant and CEO of DJR Associates.
The first session explored why affordable housing is so challenging to build, while the second focused on economic and structural barriers and ways to expand housing through development, acquisition, and advocacy.
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Volunteer With Us
It's hard to believe but AHC is starting to get ready for the holidays. We have some great projects for groups and families. We're also looking for volunteers to make Welcome Baskets for families moving into AHC properties.
Holiday Gift Bags and Cards
AHC plans to give gift bags to the 350+ teens and 800+ senior citizens who live in our communities and participate in our programs. Volunteers will purchase items from the suggested list, decorate and assemble the bags and cards at their location, and deliver them to an AHC location in Baltimore, Montgomery County, or Arlington the week of December 8. Read more details and sign up.
Holiday Events
We need volunteers to help with upcoming holiday parties at our communities. Get in the holiday spirit by helping with set up, serving food, and more. Explore opportunities and sign up.
Questions? Email [email protected].
| | How One Resident Found Community at The Westerly | | |
Brian first came to The Westerly as an employee of Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe, located on the building’s ground floor. After a conversation with AHC Resident Engagement Specialist Venus Burgess, he discovered that the community he served could also be his home.
With Venus’s support, Brian navigated the leasing process and moved into one of The Westerly’s affordable apartments — finding both stability and a stronger connection to his community.
| | Launching Books, Bots, and Beyond | | |
AHC celebrated the launch of Books, Bots, and Beyond (formerly known as Dyslexic Edge Academy) for the 2025–2026 school year.
We’re proud to partner with Dyslexic Edge, the Booz Allen Foundation, and IMSE Foundation on this afterschool program that blends evidence-based literacy instruction with hands-on STEM exploration.
At the Future in Focus Launch Festival, students led adults and community partners through hands-on challenges that showcased creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving in action.
Watch Video
| | Finding Voice Through Community Art | | |
Through the “Me, Here, & Green Valley: City of Stories” project — a collaboration between AHC and Studio PAUSE funded by an Arlington Arts PLACE Grant — residents and staff created origami-style books to share their memories and stories of Green Valley. The books were displayed at the Green Valley Farmers Market and presented at Green Valley Day.
“This project allows residents to be in control of their own story,” Michael Swisher, AHC Director of Community Engagement, said. “We’re proud to lift up our residents and give them an outlet to share who they are with their community — across Green Valley and beyond.”
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When you support the work of AHC, you help provide holistic, onsite services to improve residents’ lives and provide stability. Thank you for including AHC in your philanthropic plans.
Employee Matching Gifts
Many employers will match employees’ contributions to nonprofit organizations. Some companies even match gifts made by retirees or spouses. This can double or even triple the impact of your donation to AHC! If your employer offers this philanthropic service, or if you are interested in starting an impactful workplace giving campaign at your company, please contact [email protected].
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Tribute Gifts
Honor a loved one’s memory or celebrate a special event in a friend’s life by making a gift to AHC in their name. Make an online donation and include their information by completing the honor/memorial fields.
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CFC Giving
Heartfelt thanks to the generosity of our federal workforce and retirees. We know that this is a challenging time for federal workers, but the CFC is your chance to give back to the causes you care most about. Designate AHC Resident Services through CFC #77198.
| | Thank You to Our Corporate Partners | | | | | |
Klein Hornig LLP
MainStreet Bank
McGuireWoods
Shulman Rogers
Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh
| | AHC’s Corporate Partners help ensure all our neighbors have a place to call home and the resources they need to thrive. Want to create lasting change with your company? Please contact [email protected] to learn more. | | | | |
