The Resident Academy of Leadership and Inspiration (RALI) is an initiative for HDC residents to build leadership skills, relationships network, and create plans to improve in their communities.
Our Resident Services team provides critical supports to HDC residents, connecting them with services and resources that add to their quality of life. This work includes giving individuals opportunities to develop leadership skills, build community with their neighbors, and use their voice to improve their quality of life. RALI engages residents in a series of training workshops over the course of several days. The trainings cover a wide range of leadership topics including defining leadership styles, identifying community change strategies, asset mapping, communication skills and how to plan, implement and evaluate a community project. At the completion of the trainings, RALI graduates work together on the community project they identified. Past projects have included establishing more regular community meetings between residents and staff to improve communication and caring for community gardens.
RALI is in its first full year of operation. To date, 8 residents have participated in these trainings. The Resident Services team aims to run two RALI trainings per year. Our most recent RALI took place at Penns Common Court Apartments in Reading, PA with residents from both Penns Common and Market Square Apartments.
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.
