News from AHC Inc. l October 2020
Developing affordable homes and helping communities thrive since 1975.
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AHC Helps Residents Access $750K for Rent Relief
Since the pandemic began, our Resident Services team has pivoted to help residents navigate the complicated process of accessing critical resources to pay for essential needs, such as food, medicine and rent. The one-on-one strategy has paid off. To date, our team has helped residents access $750,000 in relief funds.
The aid is helping our residents immeasurably - not only by providing financial help, but also by reducing some of the extraordinary stress our families are experiencing.
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Fort Henry Gardens Redevelopment Responds to Neighborhood Needs
AHC Inc. has started the process of redeveloping Fort Henry Gardens, an aging garden-style apartment community with 82 apartments in Arlington, VA. The new Fort Henry could add about 200 new affordable apartments in response to the pressing need for more affordable living options in the County.
After input from the community, AHC added a number of features designed to benefit the neighborhood and our residents, including a designated building for seniors, a larger community center, additional space for outdoor gathering and recreational areas (including two play areas), and possible solar panels in response to the County's desire for renewable energy.
The project could begin construction in Spring 2022, with families moving into new homes in Spring 2024.
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AHC's Education Programs Adapt to the Pandemic
Thanks to extensive staff planning, enthusiastic volunteers, and engaged students, our education programs are up and running. Our programs may look a little different (a lot of Zoom calls), but the relationships are still going strong. Volunteers are jumping in enthusiastically to help, including the Marymount Women's Lacrosse team, who joined their afterschool "buddies" earlier this week to kick off the team's 6th year of partnership.
Another bright spot is that we've been able to complete diagnostic reading tests despite the pandemic. Thanks to a generous donation from supporters Bernie Piper and Christian Chu, we now have clear table dividers to help us work safely with our students.
We are continuing to build new ways to help students and are actively recruiting more volunteers. In some ways, virtual volunteering offers more flexibility! Email Laura Jackson at [email protected] for more information or click below. |
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New Montgomery County Project Moves Forward
AHC, Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland, and Interfaith Works are working together to build nearly 200 new affordable homes on a six-acre parcel in Silver Spring. This week, the project won unanimous approval at a Council committee meeting. Next up is a review by Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning.
Located at the corner of Bushey Drive and Randolph Road, the site originally included Montgomery County offices. The development will provide a wide range of living opportunities, including family-size apartments, homes for incomes from 30% AMI to 70% AMI, and homeownership options for low-income families.
A half-acre park serves as the centerpiece of the development plan and will provide ample opportunities for residents to exercise and socialize outdoors. The team anticipates breaking ground in early 2022.
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From left to right: Tim Craft, Mike Mallow, Jennifer Endo, and Marlon Moore at The Spire construction site in Alexandria, VA. |
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Thank You Harkins Builders!
Harkins Builders has been one of our strongest supporters and partners for more than 15 years. Today, AHC's Community Relations Vice President Jennifer Endo was delighted to accept a generous check for our Resident Services program from Harkins' Vice President Mike Mallow at The Spire construction site along with AHC Construction Managers, Tim Craft and Marlon Moore. We are deeply grateful for Harkins long-time support and partnership. We look forward to building many more affordable homes for hardworking families together!
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Please join us for AHC's Annual Meeting on Oct. 20
Register now to attend our virtual Annual Meeting on October 20 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. You won't want to miss:
- A discussion of the latest housing trends from NPR's Ally Schweitzer
- Updates on AHC's recent and upcoming affordable apartment developments
- An overview of how our Resident Services team is working nonstop to help our residents stay housed and stable
- A look at some amazing volunteers (including our residents) who are generously donating their time and energy to help others through the pandemic
- And, some challenging trivia contests to gauge what you really know (or don't know) about affordable housing!
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