Building Strong Community and Diversity

(Arlington, VA – December 21, 2021) The past two years of public health and financial disruption underscore how vital community ties are to each of us. As we move forward into 2022, AHC is focusing on building strong community and diversity in three critical areas: Within AHC apartment communities, across our own organization, and throughout our relationships with local government and community partners.

1. Residents are AHC’s #1 Priority. Building on our award-winning Resident Services program and active engagement with residents and tenant advocates, we are elevating resident voices across every aspect of our work, from onsite repairs and development plans to board discussions. Initial steps include adding two current AHC residents to our Board, adding a dedicated staff member to coordinate our resident voice and community engagement efforts, and launching a joint CEO-Board organizational-wide community engagement initiative.
2. Skills and diverse viewpoints support AHC staff, vendors, and board. We are also expanding our customer service training diversity and inclusion efforts to include new trainings on intercultural communication strategies and trauma-informed practices. Our new class of AHC board members brings together diverse voices and lived experiences, including AHC residents, housing professionals, community members, and youth advocates from Montgomery County, Alexandria, and Fairfax.
3. AHC continues to innovate and collaborate with community and government partners. We are redoubling our commitment to building strong and diverse communities by expanding and deepening our partnerships with the many community organizations and local governments that make our work possible. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with our partners to develop innovative and cutting-edge strategies to create and preserve affordable housing where it is most needed throughout the region.

Affordable, stable housing is the foundation for healthy families, individuals, and communities – and increasingly critical in today’s daunting economic climate. At AHC, we are hopeful that, by prioritizing thoughtful engagement and deeper partnerships with the residents and communities we serve, we can make a real difference.

Photo: AHC Inc. Board, clockwise: Wanda L. Pierce, Mildred Mack, Tom Klanderman, Katharine Dixon, Andargachew Legesse Wolde, Jessica Majano-Arriaza, David Barsky, C.C. Jenkins,  and Susan Cunningham. Not pictured: Ginger Brown, Justin C. Oliver, Tedi Osias, and Terron Sims, II.