News from AHC Inc. l November 2019
Developing affordable homes and helping communities thrive since 1975.
The Apex Earns Highest Environmental Standard

The Apex, AHC's new affordable apartment community in Arlington, is on track to earn the EarthCraft Platinum certification, the Virginia Housing Development Authority's highest environmental standard available for an apartment community in Virginia. The Apex redevelopment replaces a 137-unit 1960s apartment community with 256 new affordable apartments.

Located along Four Mile Run, The Apex is designed to reduce environmental impact. The 4.6-acre site will include a 130 kW solar system, one of Northern Virginia's largest solar roof installations. The redevelopment, which will welcome 256 families in spring 2020, is also designed to be more permeable with additional green areas that will reduce water runoff by 80 percent.

Local Professionals Share Job and Education Experience with AHC Teens

AHC's Fall Career Fair was loud, fast-paced and really interactive - the perfect recipe for a successful learning experience. More than 30 teens "speed networked" with professionals from a wide variety of fields - journalism, health and fitness, finance, accounting, government, education, engineering, FBI, fire department, and immigration law - and learned about their education experience and career path.

"We spoke to high school junior, senior and college students in the program about our own career paths, what skills are needed for certain careers and the how-tos of succeeding at a job. We received thoughtful questions and it was fun to hear the students’ plans for their future," said Betsy Sharon of Chain Bridge Bank. 

Students, who ranged from 10th grade to college freshmen, particularly appreciated learning about internships and how important that experience can be. Teens also found it helpful to hear that career paths often evolve over time and it's ok not to know exactly what they want to do right now.
 
Bernie Piper, who works with the Federal Housing Finance Agency, echoed the idea that career exploration is a journey. "What was most important to me was to convey that evolving career goals is a lifelong experience. This journey requires discovering your talents and passions, but at the same time, embracing a sober understanding of job markets."

Huge shout out to our speakers for inspiring our students! Thank you to Austin Achenbach (Harkins Builders), Tim Bellaire (retired FBI), Natalie Brandmueller (EYP Architecture and Engineering), Orlando James (Orlando James Fitness LLC), Megan Mack (Vera Institute of Justice), Monique O'Grady (Arlington County School Board), Greg Pearson (Harkins Builders), Bernie Piper (Federal Housing Finance Agency), Catherine Sadaat (Aronson LLC), Betsy Sharon (Chain Bridge Bank), Terron Sims (Warrior Centric Healthcare Foundation), Tannia Talento (Arlington County School Board), Justin Tirelli (Arlington County Fire Department), and Debbie Truong (Washington Post).
AHC Preserves 48-Unit Apartment Community in Montgomery County

AHC has acquired Brookside View, a 48-unit apartment community four miles east of downtown Gaithersburg in Montgomery County. The approximately $6.1 million total development cost was financed completely with private funds, including AHC's own acquisition funds. No public dollars were used to purchase the property. With Brookside View's rents currently between 50% to 60% of the area median income (AMI), AHC's purchase will preserve the existing housing affordability and ensure rents will remain stable.

AHC plans to moderately update the 1980s garden-style apartment community. Initial capital improvements will include installing water- and energy-saving appliances and fixtures, replacing aging heating and cooling systems and water heaters, and improving exterior areas of the property.

AHC owns nearly 1,300 units in Montgomery county at 7 properties.
AHC Greater Baltimore Health & Wellness Program Wins Innovation Award

We are proud to announce the Health & Wellness Program at MonteVerde Apartments in Baltimore has won the Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition's 2019 Innovation Award. MonteVerde Apartments provides 300+ apartments for senior citizens. The Resident Services team created a comprehensive on-site network to help elderly residents improve access to health care services and decrease social isolation.

Increasing accessibility and providing a variety of recreational and educational activities has significantly improved health outcomes and the overall quality of life for residents. Congratulations to the AHC Greater Baltimore team!

Pictured above: Nichole Doye Battle (left), who serves on both the AHC Greater Baltimore Board of Directors and the MAHC Board, presented the Innovation Award to AHC Greater Baltimore's Resident Services Assistant Director Tiffany Smith (center) and AHC Greater Baltimore Director Mary Claire Davis.
Bakers, Turkey Chefs, Cooks & Grocery Shoppers – We Need Your Help!

Every year, we serve Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of our residents at five Arlington Community Centers.This year’s celebrations are being held on Friday, November 22, Monday, November 25 and Tuesday, November 26. 
 
We are looking for help with purchasing and preparing food to meet the growing popularity of these gatherings. Below are links to sign up. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions. Thank you!

Fort Henry, Harvey Hall and Virginia Gardens
 
Woodbury Park/Frederick
 
Gates of Ballston

Give Thanks, Give Help

Now is a great time to give in honor or in memory of a loved one.


Increase your impact – find out if your employer offers a Matching Gift program. (If you’re with Amazon, a 100% match is available through Dec. 31!)

Thank you for helping to provide educational programs and services to neighbors who need us most.
Supporters of the Combined Federal Campaign
can pledge to AHC via CFC #77198. Thank you!