News from AHC Inc. l March 2021

Developing affordable homes and helping communities thrive since 1975.

In the wake of the recent violence against Asian Americans, our hearts are with the victims' families and friends. AHC's mission is to provide stable and affordable homes to all in need. We are committed to welcoming and supporting a diversity of residents, staff members, and supporters of all races, ethnicities, and religions.

365 Days of COVID-19: How AHC's Resident Services Staff Pivoted to Meet the Challenge

A year ago, AHC Inc., like most organizations, shuttered our in-person activities in response to the fast-moving pandemic. At the same time, our Resident Services team sprang into action with life-saving initiatives that are still providing relief and hope to thousands of our residents who face daunting adversities.

Their determination and commitment has made an incredible difference.

In the last year, our Resident Services staff connected with more than 3,000 residents and helped access more than $2.9 million in rental assistance funds – an immeasurable relief for struggling families.

Other efforts included quadrupling our food distribution sites, maintaining educational programs despite being virtual, connecting residents to critical health services, and partnering with countless community organizations to funnel much-needed supplies to residents in need.

Also, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, AHC Inc. was able to help 530 households with gift cards through our Emergency Relief Fund. THANK YOU.

To read more details about our pandemic response, please click the link below.

More AHC COVID-19 Response

AHC Preserves 292 Affordable Apartments in Fairfax

AHC has acquired two prime properties in Fairfax County that preserve 292 affordable homes on 16 acres in the Fort Belvoir/Route 1 Corridor. The acquisition was made in partnership with Fairfax County and Virginia Housing.

The Landings I and II will provide homes for residents earning between 50% and 80% of the Area Median Income ($63,000 to $79,000 for a family of four). Affordability will be implemented in a phased approach upon turnover.

AHC financed the properties with loans from both Virginia Housing (VHDA) and Fairfax County, as well as an AHC loan. Project financing also included Virginia Housing REACH, including funding specifically for affordable housing near Amazon's headquarters.

Learn More about The Landings

The Spire Welcomes First Residents This Week

As The Spire prepares to welcome our first new residents on Friday, the construction team is putting the finishing touches on the exterior of the building. Meanwhile, AHC Management staff members are hard at work helping new residents with move-in details. Residents will continue to move in on a staggered basis.

The Spire is providing 113 new affordable homes in Alexandria. Apartments are still available for households earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income.

Click here to learn more about living at The Spire.

AHC partnered with the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection (ECR) to redevelop the church's property into affordable housing. ECR also created a new worship space on the site.

ECR is celebrating the Grand Opening of their new church on Saturday, April 3. They have graciously invited all AHC supporters to join the virtual event. Link below.

Helping Residents Get Vaccinated

Getting vaccinated can be a challenge for our residents - particularly seniors and others who may have challenges navigating the registration process or those who don't have computer access. In response, AHC's Resident Services team is working hard with local jurisdictions to help residents access vaccinations through onsite clinics at senior properties, pop-up pre-registration tables at apartment communities, and one-on-one registration help.

To date, more than 200 senior citizens have been vaccinated at onsite clinics at our senior properties in Baltimore and Silver Spring.

Last week's clinic at Charter House in Silver Spring was a great success. Residents were grateful to receive vaccinations in the comfort and security of their homes - and excited to take the first step to seeing family and friends they haven't seen in over a year. The event was a partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Health. A team from the County’s Emergency Fire and Rescue force administered the vaccines along with the help of a group of amazing volunteers from the Medical Reserve Corps.

Working with the CVC (Complete Vaccine Committee) in Arlington, we've held five pop-up vaccination registration events, which helped 80 to 100 residents pre-register for appointments. In Alexandria, we have connected residents with Neighborhood Health for vaccine appointments.

Coverage of Silver Spring vaccination clinic:

NBC4 News (AHC story starts at 1:52)
WDVM News
Photos of event

First-time homeowner, Jeremy DeJesus, loves his renovated MonteVerde Rowe home in Baltimore City.

AHC Homeownership Initiative Sold Out!

AHC's homeownership project in Baltimore City, MonteVerde Rowe, is sold out! The revitalized block is bringing new life to a previously neglected area.

AHC purchased the block of 12 abandoned rowhouses to fill two priorities – to help revitalize the Park Circle neighborhood next to our senior property, MonteVerde Apartments, and to provide affordable homes for first-time homeowners. The fully renovated homes blend the historic character of the original three-bedroom rowhouses with modern features.

The homes are giving hardworking individuals the opportunity to purchase their first homes. One of the homeowners is Jeremy DeJesus. He was the first in his family to go to college, first to become a nurse, and the first to own a home, purchasing a home in MonteVerde Rowe two years ago.

“It’s a wonderful block. I love my neighbors. I feel safe,” says DeJesus, a nurse in the COVID-19 ward at the Veterans Affairs Medical Hospital in Baltimore.

Of his purchase, DeJesus says. “I feel empowered – especially as a person of color. It’s changed my life.”

Help provide vital services and summer programs to AHC families. Give to the Brighter Futures Fund today!

Donate Now