News from AHC Inc. l December 2021
Developing affordable homes and helping communities thrive since 1975.
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Clockwise: Big smiles at Gates of Ballston as children chose brand new toys donated by Amazon and Wakefield High School; the Marymount Women's Lacrosse team (6-year volunteers) created dozens of gift bags for AHC residents; AHC students are creating personalized gift mugs for volunteers; Mrs. Claus and Santa were big hits at Gates of Ballston (thank you, Amazon!); and St. Peter's Episcopal Church donated 40 trees to AHC residents, a 15-year tradition. |
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Generous community members are already making the holidays brighter for many AHC residents. Santa, Christmas trees, toys, and gift bags are popping up all over AHC's apartment communities. Meanwhile, AHC's students are busy creating personalized gifts for volunteers.
Last week, Amazon volunteers, including Santa, Mrs. Claus, and several elves, helped distribute 200 toys generously donated by Amazon employees from across the country. Gifts were also gathered through a toy drive organized by Wakefield High School's Interact Club.
Volunteers from long-time supporter St. Peter's Episcopal Church unloaded 40 Christmas trees at Woodbury Park/Frederick apartments, much to the delight of residents. Church volunteers also donated 160 toys to AHC children.
This week, generous supporters dropped off almost 500 Holiday Gift Bags for senior citizens at our Arlington properties and to the middle and high school students in our education programs. The gift bags are filled with items like adult coloring books & colored pencils, fuzzy socks, hats & gloves, tea & hot chocolate and gift cards.
Donors include 28 individuals, Arlington Rotary Club, Microsoft, TMG Construction, 3 Girl Scout troops, Willis Towers Watson, Partner Forces and Marymount athletic teams (Women's Lacrosse, Men's Soccer, Men's Lacrosse, Baseball, Softball and Assistant Athletic Director).
We are so grateful!
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Year in Review - By the Numbers
2021 has been a challenging and jam-packed year. Many of us - particularly our residents - continue to feel the impacts of the pandemic acutely. AHC is also navigating organizational changes as we move to third-party property management (read more below) and search for our next President & CEO (see below).
Through it all, AHC has continued to work hard to effectively engage with residents and create and preserve more affordable places for people to call home. Here's a snapshot of what you've helped us accomplish in 2021.
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1 award (& 342 solar panels). The Apex won Viridiant's Building Sustainability Award for the Multifamily New Construction Project of the Year.
5 years of College & Career Readiness. Watch the short video celebrating five years of the program and several students who are now out of college.
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189 renovated homes. Renovations at Greenspring Overlook, the first property we acquired in Baltimore 20 years ago, are almost complete.
350 volunteers. AHC is deeply grateful to the 350 volunteers who worked regularly with our students and helped connect residents to services in 2021.
644 vaccinations. Community partnerships helped vaccinate hundreds of AHC residents in Baltimore, Montgomery County, Arlington, and Alexandria.
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27 homeownership opportunities - A new Montgomery County project will create nearly 200 affordable homes, including 27 homeownership opportunities.
16 acres. The acquisition of Landings l and ll preserved 292 affordable apartments on 16 acres in Fairfax County.
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1,500 backpacks. Thanks to generous community donors,1,500 AHC students in Virginia and Maryland started school fully prepared.
$10 million in rental assistance. Resident Services have helped residents access nearly $10 million in much-needed rental assistance.
$170 million DC development. Now underway, Waterfront Station II is an exciting 450-unit, mixed-income, mixed-use new development in Southwest DC.
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Transitioning to Third-Party Property Management
After a thorough and careful examination of our residents’ and employees’ needs, current industry trends, and AHC’s long-term strategic goals, AHC is transitioning our properties to third-party property management starting in 2022. The move will close AHC Management, which has been managing AHC properties for more than 20 years.
“Transitioning AHC Management’s services to third-party providers will enable us to both provide our residents with the best-in-class service they deserve and to re-focus our efforts on what we do best – developing much-needed affordable housing and building brighter futures for families throughout Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland, said Interim CEO Susan Cunningham.
The four property management companies selected to take over the management of AHC’s portfolio of properties include: Drucker + Falk, Harbor Group, Paradigm Management, and WinnResidential. AHC has worked closely with the four companies to position employees and residents for a smooth and successful transition of each property over the next four months. Each of the third-party management companies intends to retain onsite AHC Management staff at the same property with similar job title, pay, and benefits.
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Search for AHC President & CEO Launched
AHC has officially launched its search for a new President and CEO. The organization is seeking visionary leadership for the staff and community as AHC continues to grow and enhance its holistic approach to providing services and high-quality affordable housing to thousands of residents.
Learn more about the President & CEO position here.
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Volunteer One Hour a Week and Change a Life |
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Needed: Homework Helpers and Reading Buddies |
Enjoy working with elementary students? We are still looking for homework helpers and reading buddies, particularly for the community centers in South Arlington. Volunteer opportunities are in the afternoon between 3pm and 6pm.
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Make a secure gift today at AHC Holiday Fund Drive. 100% of your donation will help families and individuals living in AHC communities! |
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