News from AHC Inc. l July 2022

Developing affordable homes and helping communities thrive since 1975.

Growing Leaders Starts Early

AHC Pilots New Youth Program

Earlier this summer, fifth graders and their family members from AHC communities headed to college for the first time. They visited the University of Maryland as part of AHC’s Leaders in Training (LIT) program, a pilot program made possible this year through a Dominion Energy grant.

The program included 12 Arlington students and led the group through the college and career path. It also featured one-on-one mentoring with high-school students in AHC’s College & Career Readiness (CCR) program and visits to businesses for exposure to various careers.

A special graduation ceremony at the end of the school year celebrated the students' accomplishments and graduation from elementary school.

Read more about LIT's great activities

AHC Receives $2M in Federal Funding

In June, the U.S. Treasury announced AHC Inc. will receive $2M in federal funding from the prestigious Capital Magnet Fund. This funding will allow AHC to establish an internal revolving loan fund that will leverage an additional $20M in private capital to renovate at least 331 deeply affordable apartments at AHC communities in Northern Virginia, Baltimore, and suburban Maryland.

“We’re excited to be a first-time awardee for this competitive program,” said Paul Bernard, President/CEO of AHC Inc. “This award will help us modernize several aging AHC Inc. properties and also extend their affordability for another 30 years. Ultimately, the award will benefit our residents – and their communities – in census tract Areas of Economic Distress.”

AHC was one of only 59 recipients nationwide and just one of three in Virginia to receive funding. AHC was selected following a merit-based review of applications submitted from nearly 150 organizations.

See details about the award

Snapshots from Around the Region

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, summer camp is back!

AHC's camp started in Arlington on July 5, with more than 100 kids participating, from Grades 1 through 5.

Thank you to dedicated volunteers, donors, and partners who make AHC programs possible.

AHC's Hello Summer Ice Cream Truck Appreciation Day was a big hit.

Dozens of residents from Greenspring Overlook in Baltimore enjoyed a real sweet treat!

Supporting Students on Their Educational Journey

Sara joined AHC's programs 11 years ago, at 7 years old. She graduated from high school and AHC's College & Career Readiness (CCR) program and is heading to Pomona College.

Margot joined AHC's education programs 13 years ago, at 5 years old. She graduated from high school and the CCR program and is heading to Northern Virginia Community College.

Ludwin joined AHC's education programs 12 years ago, at 6 years old. He graduated from high school and the CCR program and is heading to Northern Virginia Community College.

News Nuggets

We PAUSED! is a Community Handmade Book Project created in 2021 by Studio PAUSE for residents of the Gates of Ballston Apartments, an AHC Inc. community in Arlington’s historic Buckingham neighborhood. Now that book has been ‘unbound,’ becoming a free art exhibit from June 2022 to May 2023. See details and location.

Arlington County's Missing Middle Housing Study has a draft framework that proposes to allow townhouses and small buildings of 2-8 units in zoning districts currently limited to single-household development. This zoning change would be a significant step toward housing diversity and affordability in Arlington County. AHC joined other local civic organizations in supporting the proposal -- read AHC's letter of support. Learn more and share your support by visiting the Arlington County website.

Make this school year their best ever! Your gift helps girls and boys living at AHC affordable housing communities start school with the supplies – and confidence – they need to succeed. Thank you!

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