News from AHC Inc. l January 2021

Developing affordable homes and helping communities thrive since 1975.

A $1.6 million capital repair and construction project is updating the art deco apartment community in Arlington.

Updating Aging Buildings Part of AHC's Community Commitment

Updating and adapting some of our older apartment buildings is part of AHC's ongoing commitment to the communities we serve.

In Arlington, we have nearly completed a $1.6 million capital repair and construction of five new studio apartments at Key Boulevard - a cozy apartment community with 41 homes and an art deco flair. The project also includes landscaping, roof/drainage work, parking lot paving, improved security measures, updated laundry facilities, lighting upgrades, and exterior painting.

The scope of work is broader at Greenspring Overlook, a 189-unit garden apartment community in Baltimore. Approximately 30% complete, the renovation includes major plumbing and HVAC replacements, extensive interior apartment upgrades, additional security cameras and access control system, and a new tot lot. Sustainability and energy efficiency is a major component of the project; upgrades are expected to provide 15% energy savings for the property.

Sharing Local Prosperity With AHC Residents

Thanks to a generous Arlington Community Foundation (ACF) initiative, about 20 AHC families have newfound financial breathing room. The program, part of ACF’s Shared Prosperity Initiative, is reducing rental costs to bridge the affordability gap that vulnerable families face when stretching hard-earned dollars to cover rent.

The Shared Prosperity initiative brings together private businesses, nonprofits and local government to improve the affordability of housing, healthcare, and childcare, as well as to build employment pathways.

The ACF initiative reduced housing costs for AHC residents by paying for five apartments at the Gates of Ballston to be available at 30% Area Median Income (AMI) rents rather than 60% AMI rents. This is a significant savings. According to Arlington County, the 30% AMI rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $850, about half the $1,701 rent for a 60% AMI unit.

ACF is also sponsoring a two-year rental subsidy for families whose income did not adequately match their rent. Currently, 1 families are enrolled and another six to 10 are being identified.

Montgomery County Partnership to Add 200 Homes

AHC's first new construction project in Montgomery County continues to move through the site plan process. The development will create approximately 200 affordable homes for low-income families earning 30% of the Area Median Income ($37,800 for a family of four) to 60% AMI ($75,600 for a family of four).

The family-friendly development will offer a large number of three- and four-bedroom apartments. A half-acre park is being planned for the center of the community to provide plenty of accessible outdoor space for both children and adults to enjoy. AHC is partnering with Habitat for Humanity, Interfaith Works, and Montgomery County on the project, which is anticipated to break ground in late 2022 or early 2023.

Thank You for Brightening Our Residents' Holidays

We are deeply grateful to so many individuals, community partners, and local government agencies for generously supporting our residents through the holidays and this challenging year.

Please enjoy our heartfelt (and only slightly corny) thank you video.

Watch now:' Twas the middle of the pandemic...

We are delighted to partner with Volunteer Arlington during this year's Martin Luther King Day of Service on Monday, January 18. Following are three great options to support AHC and affordable housing. Register today!

1. Learn why affordable housing is critical for communities and how COVID-19 is making things even tougher for low-income families. Panel includes AHC, Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing and the Alliance for Housing Solutions: Register: http://bit.ly/MLKHousing

2. Create snack bags to keep teens energized while they do their homework (AHC has 100+ teens in our program.): Register: http://bit.ly/MLKSnackBags

3. Join the Arlington Rotary Club to create warm, snuggly blankets for elementary students in AHC 's afterschool program. Supplies provided for this family-friendly activity. Register: http://bit.ly/MLKRotary