HDC MidAtlantic was thrilled to break ground on The Apartments at College Avenue with elected officials, partners, supporters, and the local community on Feb. 7. More than 120 people came out to support this highly anticipated affordable housing community, which will bring 64 affordable apartments to Lancaster City. This development represents a $23.3 million investment in the local economy.
“Today is a day of hope and opportunity for the City of Lancaster,” said Dana Hanchin, President & CEO of HDC MidAtlantic at the groundbreaking. “After four years of relentless effort, we stand on the precipice of bringing new, affordable housing to the West End. We stand here today because of the support and collaboration of our partners, advocates, and friends. Let us celebrate the vibrant, welcoming community we are creating together.”
Attendees heard from a slate of speakers who are all invested in the expansion of affordable housing in Lancaster County including Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace; Representative Michael Sturla; Alice Yoder, Lancaster County Commissioner; Robin Wiessmann, Executive Director & CEO of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency; Shane Zimmerman, President of The Steinman Foundation/Steinman Communications; William Kepner, CEO of United Disabilities Services Foundation; Daniel Sansary, Chair of HDC’s Board of Directors; Edwin Martinez Feliciano, HDC Board Member and resident; and Evita Colon, Poet Laureate of Lancaster City. Barry Lee of the Circle Legacy Center provided a land acknowledgement to honor the history of the site.
“Sixty-four units of affordable housing is the most significant addition of affordable housing to the City of Lancaster in literally decades,” said Mayor Danene Sorace. “It is here in the northwest of the City, and that is really important. We are knitting back together a community. Economic diversity is a strength. We need people at all income levels to be able to live across our City.”
The Apartments at College Avenue will serve households earning between $10,000-45,000—or 20%, 50%, and 60% of the area median income. Rents will range from $228-998. Twelve of the 64 apartments will be fully accessible for individuals living with disabilities.
Financial support for this community was provided by many partners including the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, the City of Lancaster, The Steinman Foundation, United Disabilities Services Foundation, Tenfold, High Foundation, Fulton Bank, CREA, Lancaster County Community Foundation, Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, The Samuel N. Lombardo Foundation, First Citizens Community Bank, Truist, PNC Foundation, M&T Bank, PeoplesBank, First Commonwealth Bank, and Santander.
To be placed on the interest list for this community, individuals can reach out to HDC at info@hdcweb.org or 717-291-1911. Those on the list will be contacted to fill out an application once leasing opens in Spring 2025.
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.
