Newsbriefs l February 2023
Developing Affordable Homes & Helping Communities Thrive Since 1975
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Goodwill of Greater Washington and AHC Inc. Partner to Provide Affordable Housing |
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Goodwill of Greater Washington and AHC Inc. announced that they will partner together on a groundbreaking initiative to provide a critically needed, service-enriched, affordable housing community and a new, world-class, retail store and donation center on the site of the existing Goodwill store on Glebe Road in Arlington, VA.
Goodwill will demolish and rebuild its flagship store located at 10 South Glebe Road, pending review and approval by Arlington County. The new retail store and donation center will create up to 30 incremental new jobs and result in a more efficient donation experience.
“Developing affordable housing is challenging and joining forces with a similarly mission-oriented organization will be transformational,” says AHC Inc. President & CEO Paul Bernard. “We are excited to partner with Goodwill on creating a state-of-the-art facility and high-quality affordable housing that will serve the Arlington community for decades.”
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AHC Connects with Virginia Legislators in Richmond |
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Exciting news! AHC participated in the Virginia Housing Alliance's "Housing Advocacy Day" with Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing and Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance. Our coalition headed to the state capital to meet with Virginia legislators about affordable housing legislative priorities.
Shortly after, AHC President & CEO Paul Bernard, Vice President of Community Relations Jennifer Endo, and Joe Testa of Joe Testa and Associates went to Richmond again to meet with members of the Virginia Legislature. They connected with members of the Virginia Housing Commission about the work of AHC and its impact on the community.
The discussions emphasized the crucial role affordable housing plays as economic infrastructure and the potential for affordable homes to transform lives when enhanced by resident services.
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AHC Residents Participate in Workshops About Race, Reflection, and Resilience |
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In partnership with the Educational Theatre Company (ETC), seven residents from the Serrano and Apex have been participating in a workshop series to share and learn from experiences related to race and racial justice. The three workshops will culminate in an original theatre piece based on participants' stories, to be performed on March 6. |
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Teen Program Making an Impact |
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The Shelton is home to a new program for teen residents funded by Project Discovery Virginia. The program prepares and motivates low-income and first-generation college students to access opportunities in higher education. The 10 teens in the program meet twice a week for college prep support and a monthly recreational night.
The Shelton Teen Program provides a safe space for fellowship amongst other teens, to foster academic, emotional, and social progress. The program also is starting a Teen Newsletter Club as a part of a bigger initiative to preserve the history of Green Valley in Arlington.
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Residents at Charter House in Maryland partnered with the Delta Academy Girls Mentoring Program to handcraft 100 pillows for the MLK Day of Service. The pillows were gifted to residents at The Charter House. |
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AHC Joins Affordable Housing Panel in Montgomery County |
On January 30, Paul Bernard, AHC Inc. President & CEO, spoke on a special panel on "The State of Affordable Housing in Montgomery County, MD" designed to offer new housing solutions to elected officials. |
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AHC Staff Attend Fair Housing Training |
Jarrod Elwell, Community Development regional manager for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, delivered a two-hour interactive presentation. AHC staff learned about the history of fair housing and how the policy impacts our everyday lives. |
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Rent Relief Clinics in Montgomery County |
As the effects of the pandemic recede, many residents are still recovering from the economic effects of COVID-19. AHC communities in Montgomery County are hosting weekly rent relief clinics facilitated by property manager Harbor Group and our Resident Services teams. Staff work one-on-one with residents at The Birches, Charter House, and The Hamptons to access rental assistance funds. |
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A little extra love goes a long way at AHC! Special thanks to our volunteers, community partners, and supporters. You're the best Valentine we could ask for, helping neighbors in need through winter, spring, summer, and fall. Thank you. |
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- AHC's Vice President of Real Estate Development, Alan Goldstein, served on a Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) organized by the Washington Urban Land Institute (ULI) and sponsored by Montgomery County. TAP groups bring together industry experts to assess complex challenges on behalf of various private and public entities. The planners, transportation, consultant, and developers, analyzed the potential for additional residential density, revitalization of commercial nodes, and enhancements to the pedestrian and bicyclist experience.
- The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments announced that the Regional Fair Housing Plan is open for public comment. This marks the first time in 25 years that local jurisdictions have joined to create a joint house plan for the DC area. A critical step to address the need to increase the area's supply of affordable housing.
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