May News from AHC News from AHC Inc. l May 2022 Developing affordable homes and helping communities thrive since 1975. Students Announce College Choices on AHC’s Signing Day Students in AHC Inc.’s College and Career Readiness (CCR) program recently gathered for college signing day – where they announced their college plans and donned new t-shirts for their chosen schools. This year, the CCR program included 42 high school seniors from lower income homes. And these remarkable students earned more than $6 million in scholarships and grants. Most of the students are the first generation in their family to reach this educational milestone. Since its official launch in 2016, CCR has served 169 students. Tutors and mentors, key players in the program, also joined the celebration of achievement. Read more about the remarkable students Community Cares Event Weathers the Storm On a grey Saturday this May, AHC hosted a Community Cares event at our Gates of Ballston property. The event, made possible through partnership with the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, PetSmart Charities, and the Banfield Foundation, provided veterinary exams and pet vaccines and supplies. Residents accessed health and fitness programs, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and food resource info, and craft activities at the event. Despite some rain and heavy winds in the morning, the event was a success with a great turnout. AWLA’s vets saw more than 50 animals, and even more families were able to access the various resources. Thank you to our other wonderful community partners for making the event such a success! Other partners included Real Food for Kids, Studio Pause, AFAC (Arlington Food Assistance Center), READ (Read Early and Daily), BU-GATA, and the Arlington County Departments of Health, Human Services, and Emergency Management. New Report Analyzes Costs for Building Digital Equity AHC Inc. and Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) have released a new report by CTC Technology & Energy analyzing how to equitably and efficiently connect local low-income residents in Arlington to the internet. The report was made possible through a grant from Virginia Housing. "Affordable, fast and reliable internet access is essential to navigate today’s world, from school and work to staying in touch with loved ones,” says Paul Bernard, AHC Inc. CEO. As the current health crisis has shifted many aspects of daily life online, the lack of affordable broadband significantly limits the ways families manage their health, finances, education, and job searches, as well as their options for building and maintaining social ties. In Arlington County, 16% of households do not have access to a fixed home broadband internet connection. Nearly three quarters of those households earn less than $75,000 annually. Read details in the news release In the News AHC's Waterfront Station II development makes the news! "Little more than 1 mile from the U.S. Capitol building, the development team behind the forthcoming Waterfront Station II development is getting creative with capital," says the Journal of Tax Credits. Read the article Does Affordable Housing in the Neighborhood Lower Property Values? No. That was the assessment of an Urban Institute study commissioned by the City of Alexandria to address unfounded statements by City residents who oppose affordable housing development in their neighborhood because of the (perceived) negative impact on property values. Read the Washington Post story | See full report Lend a Hand with Snack Bags & Graduation Gift Bags AHC has two ways groups, families and individuals can volunteer from their own location. We are looking for people to assemble and donate bags of healthy snacks for the students in our summer camp programs. We also hope to collect a few more graduation gift bags for the high school seniors in our College & Career Readiness program. Sign up using the buttons below - where you'll also find information on the contents of the bags and delivery options. Email [email protected] with questions. Help with snack bags Help with graduation gift bags Volunteer at Summer Camp Read and play with elementary school students this summer. AHC’s Summer Camps provide enriching and new experiences, prevent summer learning loss, and provide a caring environment where nurturing relationships with adults and other youth build self-confidence and strong social skills. Camps run in the afternoons, Mondays - Thursdays, July 5 - August 11 at six locations in Arlington. High school and college students and adult volunteers welcome. Questions? Email [email protected]. Register now to help at summer camp Help AHC kids enjoy a summer full of games, fields trips, and much more – all while keeping the lessons learned in school front and center! Make a special gift today to the AHC Summer Camp Drive. Donate now Career Opportunities in Resident Services Work with children, families and seniors in affordable apartment communities in Virginia and Maryland. AHC's award-winning Resident Services is growing! We're looking for compassionate, creative, and people-oriented managers and coordinators for both our social services and education teams. We offer a supportive environment, professional growth, and the opportunity to change lives. Please share with others seeking a rewarding community-oriented career! Learn more about AHC job openings AHC Inc. | 703-486-0626 | 2230 N Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA 22201 | www.ahcinc.org l DONATE NOW! ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ AHC Inc. | 2230 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22201 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!