Through decades of experience, HDC knows that collaboration with organizations who share our values is critical in helping us achieve our mission of creating, preserving, and strengthening affordable housing communities, and supporting residents to reach their full potential. We actively seek partnerships with organizations who are entrenched in their communities, and who are committed to collaborating with HDC on many levels to create greater change.
First Citizens Community Bank (FCCB) in Fredericksburg, PA is an active member of their community and has been an engaged partner with HDC as an organization and with residents individually. In August, FCCB hosted a series of financial literacy workshops, offered in both English and Spanish, in collaboration with HDC’s Resident Services department, for residents at Beach Run Apartments in Fredericksburg, PA and Deer Run Apartments in Lebanon, PA.
“As a community bank, relationships drive everything that we do. Meeting with [Resident Services Coordinator] Maria Garcia-Lora and building our partnership, we were able to identify what financial concerns matter most to the HDC community,” said FCCB AVP/Office Manager Alecia Kelsey. “These meetings showed we have the same passion and drive to provide the training and tools needed to deliver financial awareness to the residents.”
Ten residents participated in the workshops, learning about budgeting, credit reports, and identity theft. Financial literacy education can be an important tool for residents maintaining the housing they worked hard to secure and planning for their future.
Roslaura de la Torre, a Beach Run resident who participated in the workshops said, “I learned things I didn’t know about how to build credit and how to save. Not everywhere you live has these benefits. I feel grateful to be part of this place”
FCCB’s commitment to HDC and to the issue of affordable housing has gone far beyond direct service workshops. They have also stepped up as a financial partner through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program on two HDC developments—Beach Run Apartments, which was completed in 2021, and our planned development at College Avenue in Lancaster, PA. They have also been a loyal corporate sponsor of HDC. We appreciate FCCB’s commitment at every level. We feel fortunate to have this strong lasting bond between our organizations and look forward to what we can continue to do together in the future.
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.
