We believe that HDC communities should be welcoming, safe, and inclusive for all residents who choose to call them home. The community that is created between neighbors is an important part of that process. June Wertz, a resident who lives at Penns Common Court in Reading, Pennsylvania has been involved in her community and has actively supported her neighbors for more than two decades.
“I’m now 88 years old. Things have changed quite a lot in 22 years, including me…As a resident, I’ve always helped where I could.”
Read more about June’s story in her own words below.
I moved into Penns Common in March 2000. I wasn’t looking at the time. Going from an 8-bedroom house to a 1-bedroom apartment was a great change that I needed after living alone for 12 years after a divorce.
In the spring of 1999, I took a long walk. I stopped for a rest at 11th and Penn streets, looking up into “Penn’s Commons,” or as we called it “City Park.” Looking across the street, I noticed this small building, only four floors high, for age 62 and over apartments available. I don’t like high buildings. It sort of caught my interest. I liked the fact that you can visit neighbors without going outside in the ugly weather. I was allowed entrance and spoke to the manager. I filled out an application and was shown an apartment.
Less than a year later I moved into Penn’s Commons Apartments. The building was clean and the residents were friendly and helpful.
In 2001, I retired from Boscov’s Distribution Center after three months shy of 20 years. Since I had free evenings, I started to go to Tenant’s Association meetings. When they were electing new officers, I was chosen to be the secretary. Why? I know nothing about being a secretary. They said they wanted new blood. I was secretary and years later the treasurer until the Tenant’s Association disbanded in 2015.
Over the years we had lots of meals quite often. Meals were made from scratch, at one time by my sister-in-law who was a resident. Other times we ordered food delivered in. I don’t like cooking, but I love eating.
As a resident I helped where and when I could. In December 2011, I was asked to be Resident Helper. That’s where I learned to be more respectful to so many different types of people. Those with Alzheimer’s were of course the most challenging.
I’m now 88 years old. Things have changed quite a lot in 22 years, including me. After an injury three years ago, I have slowed down a lot. I like to be on the go, but it’s not that easy anymore. But I keep trying.
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.
