At HDC, we know that resident voices are critical in achieving our mission to build hope and opportunity for all residents to reach their full potential. We seek to put resident experiences at the center of everything we do, and we work to create opportunities for residents to have a seat at the decision-making table.
In October, the Resident Advisory Council was launched as a vehicle to amplify resident voices and provide opportunities for shared decision making and information sharing between HDC’s Board of Directors, staff, and residents. No one understands what it’s like to live in an HDC community better than the individuals who choose to make these places their homes. That knowledge and feedback is valuable and necessary as we work to create more equitable communities.
“[Through the Council], residents feel like they are a part of HDC. They are not just another resident, but someone who loves their community,” says Edwin Martinez Feliciano, HDC Board Member, resident of Duke Manor Apartments, and Chair of the Council. “I am very happy with the Council. It has been a great experience for me personally. There is great enthusiasm among the leaders of different properties and different ages. It is a powerful tool if we use it. It will be a great success for HDC.”
This Council is designed to ensure there is a feedback loop for resident engagement in HDC governance and create a connection to HDC’s Board of Directors. This will inform the decisions that are made at the highest levels of the organization.
Fifteen individuals were selected to participate in the Council, representing affordable communities from across HDC’s geographic footprint. Through virtual meetings, the Council plans to focus on topics including affordable housing basics, trauma-informed principles, racial equity and housing, HDC’s resident engagement initiatives, Eviction Prevention Program, and more.
Every voice matters. At HDC, we are committed to raising up resident voices and opening doors so that residents can actively participate in the democratic process, speak out on issues important to them and their communities, and communicate how policies affect their everyday lives. We believe it is important to make the time and space to listen, and to support resident leaders in effectively using their voices. We support resident advocacy opportunities through our Resident Academy of Leadership & Inspiration, Voter Registration Drives, and holding constituent meetings and tours with elected officials.
Allentown, PA
Fredericksburg, PA
Lancaster, PA
Finding a place to live that meets one’s basic needs and budget can feel like a never-ending challenge. The complexity of lower-income families and individuals extend far beyond simply finding a safe, affordable, and welcoming place to call home. At HDC, we are committed to being an ally in speaking to issues, programs, and policies that improve quality of life of our residents. Issues that we know are important to our residents include:
We know we can’t solve the affordable housing challenge alone. We need champions to help change the conversation around what home means and why it matters. We are committed to educating elected officials to understand the needs and challenges of their constituents. We are here to provide solutions that work and offer affordable housing expertise that demonstrates the impact policy decisions have on lower-income families, seniors and those with disabilities. We work closely with and participate in alliances and coalitions to educate and advance shared policy priorities. Our advocacy partners include:
Wendy Smith serves as the Vice President of Property Management, responsible for the overall strategic direction for HDC’s management portfolio and the organization’s largest staff team. Previously, Wendy served as Asset and Operations Manager for a leading real estate firm based in New York City which owned over 11,000 affordable homes. Since 2008, Wendy has held roles in regional level operations for commercial and for-profit housing agencies. Wendy holds a degree in International Studies.
