HDC was thrilled to cut the ribbon and celebrate the grand opening of our newest affordable housing community, Quaker Arts, in Wilmington, DE in March! This community adds 53 affordable apartments and demonstrates a $16.3 million investment in housing in the city.
More than 60 external partners, supporters, and residents took part in the celebration, which was held in Quaker Art’s community room. Attendees heard from a slate of speakers who are all invested in and advocates for affordable housing including Mayor of Wilmington Michael Purzycki, State Representative Stephanie Bolden; Delaware State Housing Authority Director Eugene Young Jr., Housing Alliance Delaware Executive Director Rachel Stucker, and two Quaker Arts resident artists, Kurtis Conix and Brian Mack. People were also able to tour one of the apartments.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Quaker Arts community to the HDC family, where 53 families will find a safe, welcoming, affordable home here in Wilmington, DE,” said Dana Hanchin, President and CEO of HDC, during her remarks. “As an artist-preference community, we know that many individuals who live here were attracted to the community for the creative use of space it offers, but the people who choose to live in Quaker Arts are diverse, working in a variety of different fields including healthcare, childcare, and the public sector. Welcome home. We are grateful that you have chosen to live at Quaker Arts.”
This general occupancy development has a preference for artists and includes 23 efficiency, 6 1-bedroom, 20 2-bedroom, and 4 3-bedroom apartments. Eight apartments were designed to meet American with Disabilities Act standards. Rents range from $350 to $1,035. Currently 60 percent of apartments have been leased, and the average income for those currently living in Quaker Arts is approximately $26,000 or $12.50/hour.
Initially developed by the Connections Group in 2019, construction began in August 2020. HDC moved from a role as the management agent to the general partner in 2021, seeing this development through to completion. Financial support for Quaker Arts was provided by the Delaware State Housing Finance Agency, Alliant Capital, The Reinvestment Fund, and Federal Home Loan Bank.
“Housing is by far the biggest issue impacting our state right now,” said Eugene Young, Jr., Director of Delaware State Housing Authority. “The housing issues that we are dealing with impact us all. We’re a small state and we’re all connected. As we celebrate the addition of these units to Delaware’s affordable housing stock today, it is something for our whole state to celebrate.”
In addition to Quaker Arts, HDC owns and/or manages eight affordable communities in
Delaware including The Flats in partnership with the Todmorden Foundation, Claymont Apartments in Wilmington, Elizabeth Cornish Landing in Bridgeville, and two affordable communities in Dover and Smyrna, which are currently undergoing $15 million in renovations. In total, HDC owns and/or manages 542 apartments in the state.
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.
