News from AHC Inc. l March 2022
Developing affordable homes and helping communities thrive since 1975.
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Welcome Paul Bernard, AHC's New President/CEO!
AHC Inc.’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Paul Bernard has been unanimously selected as the organization’s new President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will join AHC in his new role on April 4.
Mr. Bernard brings nearly 30 years of experience in urban planning and real estate development, public finance and investing, community development and affordable housing. He has worked in both the public sector as well as the private sector and has extensive external leadership skills working with communities and government officials. Throughout his career, Mr. Bernard has demonstrated a commitment to addressing economic and social issues, including housing as the foundation for economic success. He has made diversity, equity, and inclusion a cornerstone of his leadership.
“Paul has a history of tackling a variety of housing challenges and a track record of leading real change,” says David Barsky, AHC Board Chair. “With his perspective in economics, finance and urban planning -- coupled with his passion for affordable housing and its potential to transform lives -- we’re thrilled to have him lead AHC forward in its next chapter.”
Mr. Bernard has held a variety of leadership positions at leading housing and development organizations, including Urban Land Institute, Enterprise Community Partners, Walker & Dunlop, and MMA Realty Capital.
Mr. Bernard will replace Susan Cunningham who served as Interim CEO since July 2021 and will support AHC as a senior adviser.
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AHC Acquires First Prince George's Apartment Community |
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AHC is excited to announce we have acquired our first apartment community in Prince George's County. The $71.9 million purchase, a joint venture with partners Insight Property Group and Federal Capital Partners (FCP), preserves the property formerly known as Camden Largo Town Center apartments in fast-growing Largo, MD.
Forty percent (98 apartments) of the 245-unit community will be preserved as affordable for 15 years. The community at 9701 Summit Circle will be rebranded Haven Largo.
The opportunity was awarded through Prince George’s County’s Right of First Refusal (ROFR) program, which gives Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) the authority to purchase properties to expand the availability of affordable rental housing in the County.
The commitment ensures that:
- 10% of the property (25 units) are available to households earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and
- 30% of the property (73 units) are designated for those with incomes at or below 80% AMI
Haven Largo, an attractive, well-located garden apartment community, is minutes from the Largo Town Center Metro Station and the Capital Beltway. Residents of the spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments have access to major employment centers including the nearby University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center. Apartment amenities include in-unit washers and dryers, vaulted ceilings, kitchen pantries, and rentable garages. The community has a fitness center, swimming pool, grilling areas, and an outdoor gazebo.
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AHC's Summer Camp combines education and fun to prevent learning loss. |
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Plans for In-Person Summer Camp Underway
After two years of virtual learning, our Resident Services team is excited to begin planning for in-person Summer Camp. Fingers crossed we can once again offer field trips, outdoor activities, and lots of fun learning adventures to help keep students' brains (and bodies) active.
This year's theme will use Disney characters and stories to tie together academic and social/emotional wellness activities. Stay tuned to see what our creative Resident Services leaders come up with to make sure youth have so much fun they don't even realize they are also building reading and math skills.
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AHC Management team members celebrated after successfully passing building inspections at Gates of Ballston (top left), Harvey Hall (middle left), and Arbor Heights (lower left). |
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Arlington Properties Pass Building Inspections With Flying Colors
Several of AHC's older Arlington apartment communities recently passed comprehensive building inspections with flying colors. Harvey Hall successfully passed extensive Arlington County and HUD inspections. Gates of Ballston and Arbor Heights also passed Arlington County inspections. Congratulations and thanks to these hardworking teams!
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Waterfront Station II Finalist for "Best Financing Deal"
We are delighted to share that Waterfront Station is a finalist for the Washington Business Journal's “Best Financing Deal.” The annual awards program celebrates the top real estate deals in the DMV. Winners in each category will be announced in late April.
Waterfront Station II, a mixed-income, mixed-use project in Southwest Washington, DC, will include 450 homes, including 136 apartments (30% of the total units) that will be deeply affordable and available to households earning less than 50% of the area median income.
The financing required an innovative combination of 4% and 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and market-rate tools.
The project is a joint venture of AHC Inc., Hoffman & Associates, CityPartners, and Paramount Development. Capital partners include Merchants Capital, Grosvenor Americas, and The Richman Group.
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We're celebrating our volunteers throughout April, including 10-year volunteer Sharon Showalter, pictured here with Daisy who she has mentored for two years. |
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Housing + Volunteers = Success!
Each year about 350 generous individuals volunteer their time, energy, and enthusiasm to AHC's education and social services programs. They make a huge difference, and there's no doubt they are our secret sauce.
AHC is celebrating our volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation Month in April. Check out our social media and website for updates throughout the month.
To kick things off, here's a spotlight on one of our 10-year volunteers.
Volunteer Spotlight: Sharon Showalter
Sharon Showalter has been volunteering for AHC for 10 years. She started as a teen tutor and helped the same student for several years. The student was a high school senior the same year AHC's CCR program started so Sharon started helping him with the college application process. She is still in touch with her first student who is now in training to do tech support with Verizon. Sharon recruited his younger brother to join the CCR program this year and will serve as his mentor.
Over the years she has served as a mentor to several other students. Daisy, the student she has been matched with for the last two years, applied to 10 schools and is still in the process of hearing back. They are working on scholarship applications now.
When asked what she enjoys about volunteering as a mentor, she had a long list of answers:
- The awesome relationships with the students
- Seeing the students excel and sharing in their excitement when they hear back from colleges
- Learning from the students about their interests and world views
- Keeping in touch with a younger generation and their technology
Heartfelt thanks to Sharon and all our wonderful volunteers. You are truly the heart and soul of our programs. We look forward to celebrating you throughout Volunteer Month in April!
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At-home volunteer projects
Groups, families and individuals can assemble bags of healthy snacks at home and deliver them to AHC properties in Arlington. The children and teens in our education programs enjoy the tasty treats and upbeat messages on the bags. We're also looking for volunteers to assemble and donate graduation gift bags for the 44 high school seniors in our College & Career Readiness program. Information on the contents of the bags and delivery options can be found on the Sign-up Genius links (Snack bags & Graduation Gift Bags) or by emailing [email protected].
Distribute groceries
AHC needs volunteers to help at food distribution programs at five of its Arlington locations. Weekly, monthly and one-time volunteers welcome. Food distributions are on Mondays 10am-noon, Tuesdays 10:15-11:45am, Wednesdays 8:30-11am, Wednesdays 1-2:30pm and Thursdays 8:30-11:15am. To volunteer or for more information, please email [email protected]
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Miss our 2021 wrap-up? Click here for a quick overview.
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