LANCASTER – HDC MidAtlantic (HDC) is working with Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity to bring affordable homeownership opportunities to the West End.
The site at 913 Wheatland Ave. was initially planned to be a phase of HDC’s redevelopment of the former UPMC/St. Joseph’s hospital site, which included affordable rental and homeownership options.
Through a conversation with the community, HDC understood the great need for homeownership opportunities in this area of the City. HDC began exploring this possibility and has determined that homeownership is the best fit for the parcel. Given that HDC does not specialize in homeownership, discussions began with Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity about their potential interest in developing affordable homes at this location.
“We believe in collaborating with community partners to bring additional value to Lancaster,” said Dana Hanchin, President & CEO of HDC. “Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity is an expert in homeownership. As a fellow nonprofit who shares HDC’s vision of a world where a safe, affordable place to call home is available to everyone, we are excited about Habitat for Humanity’s potential development on this site, and we look forward to seeing their progress.”
As the current developer with control of the site at Wheatland Avenue from UPMC, HDC will begin the process of transferring that control to Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity.
“Habitat is committed to preserving old homes and building new ones, as we have for over 30 years in the City of Lancaster,” said Andrew Szalay, President & CEO of Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity. “We will look to the neighbors, the City, and our many construction volunteers and experts to build homes that suit the West End neighborhood and the future needs of the City’s homeowners.”
HDC is continuing to partner with Baltimore-based firm, Washington Place Equities (WPE), for the larger redevelopment of the former UPMC/St. Joseph’s hospital site. Total combined investment is expected to be $90 million for all phases.
About HDC MidAtlantic
HDC MidAtlantic envisions a world where a safe, welcoming, affordable place to call home is open to everyone. We believe home shouldn’t be an impossible dream; it should be an attainable reality. We are resident advocates, trusted developers, property managers, community partners, and collaborators. We are part of the fabric of our towns and cities, and have been working with our neighbors since 1971 to create real change and meaningful connections. As champions of the greater good, we are committed to advancing equity, we open the door to opportunities, and we are proud of the homes we build.
HDC owns and/or manages over 3,400 apartments, providing housing that is safe and affordable to those with lower incomes, focusing on seniors, families, and individuals living with disabilities. Serving nearly 5,000 residents in 72 communities located in urban, suburban, and rural areas across Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, HDC builds hope and opportunity for all residents to reach their full potential by creating, preserving, and strengthening affordable housing communities.
About Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity
Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity builds homes, communities and hope for families in need of safe, affordable housing across Lancaster and Lebanon Counties. Since 1986, the organization has built and repaired homes across the region, as well as strengthened communities through its neighborhood revitalization efforts.
Working in partnership with volunteers, Habitat builds homes alongside first-time homebuyers, while also providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful homeowners. Families purchase their home from Habitat with a zero-interest mortgage. Through the stability and affordability that Habitat homes offer, families can build their own build brighter futures. Visit us at www.lancasterlebanonhabitat.org.
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
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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.
