EIN: 54-1026365
Mission Statement
The residents of Affordable Homes & Communities are at the heart of all we do. We build opportunity by creating quality homes with holistic resident services. We drive change through innovation, genuine partnerships, and responsible investment.
Program Summary
AHC envisions a world where all people share the same opportunities regardless of income, race, or other qualities; where housing is integral to a healthy, welcoming, and equitable society; and where affordable homes are available to all.
Our Resident Services program started in Arlington, VA, nearly 30 years ago. Today, the program provides a multitude of services for families, adults, and senior citizens, along with a multi-pronged education initiative for elementary-aged children all the way through high school. The resident-driven program focuses on four key areas of housing stability:
Education & Youth Development: AHC’s educational programs for students encourage academic and personal growth. Our approach includes our Afterschool program focused on improving literacy and social-emotional learning; Teen Tutoring, which includes one-on-one tutoring, college visits, and SAT test prep; the College and Career Readiness program, which helps high school juniors and seniors transition to their next step; and a Summer Camp program designed to prevent learning loss.
Health & Wellness: AHC offers community connections and onsite programs to help adults strengthen their economic stability and build stronger futures for themselves and their families. Programs include onsite screening, partnerships with local food banks that provide food weekly, English as a Second Language courses, and access to local government services. Activities for senior citizens include exercise classes, arts and crafts, nutrition and wellness programs, access to libraries, continuing education, and cultural excursions.
Economic Mobility: Through workshops and clinics, Resident Services works with residents to access funds, increase income, and maintain housing stability. The team collaborates with organizations that provide financial assistance, help build financial stability, and promote career development for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Staff regularly meet with residents to provide individualized, step-by-step financial guidance and offer ongoing support.
Community Building & Engagement: AHC’s goal is to increase resident voice throughout our communities through surveys, focus groups, and resident meetings—and supporting resident-led activities and community groups. We also have a Resident Ambassador Committee to help elevate resident voices. Our communities host a variety of activities to bring residents together and build strong connections among neighbors.
Impact Statement
Affordable Homes & Communities provides quality affordable housing enriched by a nationally accredited Resident Service program. Every year, more than 3,000 residents are positively impacted by our programs that provide vital resources focusing on education and youth development, health and wellness, economic mobility, and more. In 2023, 1,500+ residents received food assistance, 550 were protected from eviction as they grappled with the impact of the pandemic, 81 juniors and seniors joined our College and Career Readiness program and the seniors who graduated received over $13 million in aid and scholarships toward their higher education and career goals. Through AHC’s award-winning education enrichment program, hundreds of Arlington’s youth from low-income households have improved in literacy skills, achieved academic goals, and received social and emotional learning by using AHC programs such as Afterschool tutoring, summer camp, and homework assistance. We remain committed to our belief that affordable housing is critical economic and social infrastructure. AHC’s proven combination of affordable apartments plus resident-driven services in making a difference every day in the lives of children, families, and individuals.
What ways can the public get involved?
Please visit our website to learn more:
· Volunteer. Join us to tutor students, distribute groceries to a senior citizen, serve a holiday meal, and much more. Activities are available for individuals and groups.
· Donate. Consider making a special tribute gift, ask your employer if they will match donations, or share a meaningful gift through your donor-advised fund.
· Partner with us. We welcome the opportunity to create a meaningful community, corporate, or advocacy partnership to best match your interest in supporting AHC residents.
How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?
When you give to AHC, your donated funds are used to run our year-round Resident Services program which provides vital social services and onsite education and wellness programs to improve the lives of AHC residents. Your generosity means more neighbors from low-income households will have a safe and nurturing place to access budgeting workshops, rent relief, vaccine clinics, job readiness workshops, community movie nights, computer software for students, summer camp field trips, college boot camp for teens, and much more. Thank you!
Information provided March 2024