News from AHC Inc. l August 2020

Despite the challenges of construction during a pandemic, The Apex is nearing completion ahead of schedule and under budget. Thanks to a great team that includes Harkins Builders, MFTA Architecture, and Arlington County, the project has progressed steadily and efficiently. The project also recently achieved the EarthCraft Gold rating, the highest environmental rating possible for a multifamily building.

Residents are already moving into the brand new buildings on South Glebe Road in Arlington. The exterior finishes and welcoming earth-tone colors reflect the adjacent Four Mile Run natural watershed area. The rear of the building also includes balconies designed to complement the overall design.

The interiors also include some special design touches. Economies of scale and a streamlined design provided the opportunity to upgrade kitchens with high-end islands and granite finishes, not usually available in affordable apartments.

Many of the original residents who lived at the property when it was the Berkeley are excited about coming back to brand new homes. There are still apartments available and we are continuing to work through a long waiting list of applicants. For more information and to apply, click below.

Every summer, AHC's College and Career Readiness program offers a Boot Camp for rising juniors and seniors to help them get fired up for the challenging work of applying for college and taking on the real world.

Although this year's Boot Camp was virtual, the week-long program was still full of great experiences for the 20+ teens who participated. Highlights included working with The Essay Coaches; a Virginia Tech presentation on admissions; a "Defining Your Personal Brand on Social Media/Resume Writing" workshop through Capital One, and career chats with volunteers in small groups to expose students to a variety of job opportunities.

New this year was a workshop focused on how the teens are coping with current issues like COVID-19 and race and how they can support one another. We will continue having these discussions to help students through this unprecedented time.

AHC alumni, all current college students, shared their experiences about the application process and tips for suceeding in school through interactive sessions and pre-recorded remarks. (Link below)

After two years of planning, AHC Greater Baltimore's Greenspring Overlook, an aging garden apartment community in NW Baltimore, is getting a fresh look. The renovation of the 189 apartments started at the end of July.

Interior changes will include new plumbing, HVAC, kitchen cabinets and countertops; upgraded stairwells; new entry security systems; and water-saving fixtures. Exterior improvements include brighter lights and additional light poles, a second tot lot/recreational space, and additional sidewalks to provide an accessible pathway across the entire property.

The renovation team includes Southway Builders, Moseley Architects and KCW Engineering. Financing partners include AGM Financial Services, Baltimore City, Enterprise Community Investment, Federal Home Loan Bank – Atlanta, and Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

As the pandemic continues and in-person learning remains a distant hope, AHC's Resident Services team has pivoted to virtual learning.

After a successful Summer Camp with creative projects and stimulating virtual field trips, our team has begun planning for ways to keep youth engaged online.

Volunteers like Patti Sanner are providing invaluable support and helping expand students' learning horizons. A highly trained reading specialist, Patti works individually with struggling readers each week. One of her students has gained so much confidence reading regularly that she has even expressed an interest in becoming a book illustrator! "One-on-one instruction can make a real difference, even if it's virtual," says Sanner.

To create a cohesive virtual volunteer program, AHC is creating weekly schedules to gather students and tutors together in one-on-one or small-group sessions. If you are interested in learning more about virtual volunteer opportunities, please contact [email protected] or call 703-486-0626 x1107 or click below.

The pandemic continues to disproportionately affect low- and moderate-income families around our region. According to a labor data analysis, fewer than half the jobs lost this spring have returned for those making less than $20 an hour.

Like many front-line organizations, AHC is continuing to work hard to support residents. Our Resident Services team works one-on-one with families to access a variety of community and local government programs. We have also commited to waiving evictions and late fees through 2020.

(Read more: AHC, one of D.C. area's largest affordable housing providers, pauses evictions through 2020, Washington Business Journal, 8-3-20)

The pandemic is creating even more challenges for low-income students. Your gift provides vital Education Programs and Services to low-income families living at AHC communities.

Buy a Neighbor School Supplies: For as little as $10, you can support children in need of school supplies. Your donation will help us distribute gift cards, allowing families to purchase their own school supplies. AHC is one of several safety net Arlington organizations partnering on this initiative, which is coordinated by Volunteer Arlington. Other nonprofits include: Arlington Foster Care/Adoption Program, APAH, Bonder & Amanda Johnson, Bridges to Independence, Edu-Futuro, and OAR. Note: This Sunday, 8-23, is the deadline to donate to this community partnership.