Since its inception in 1983, NeighborWorks Week showcases how the network strengthens communities and celebrates collective impact. Held June 5-12th this year, it is a time to not only to give back in communities, but also acknowledge the thousands of volunteers, partners, and stakeholders who support NeighborWorks and its critical mission. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, there are only eight non-profit organizations that have been accepted into the NeighborWorks network.
Building on the network of excellence that is a NeighborWorks tenet, Pennsylvania NeighborWorks organizations formed an association, the NeighborWorks Association of Pennsylvania or NWAP, and created a powerful and forward thinking agenda to lift all communities up across the state.
NWAP leverages member strengths to address real issues affecting individuals, families and communities. Members collectively committed to increasing access to quality affordable housing; helping households achieve financial stability and build wealth; and revitalize communities and their health, wealth, and well-being. While these goals may seem aspirational, NWAP expects to achieve these goals by developing and strengthening new partnerships and opportunities.
The new faces and fresh perspectives, such as HDC’s CEO Dana Hanchin, are already impacting the association. The group is ready to kick off its recently completed strategic plan, which hopes to raise visibility of the association and result in bigger impact in the Commonwealth.
After serving as director of the association for the past 10 years, Craig Burkley is energized in this new direction. “These new directors are hitting the ball out of the park,” he said. “We are more racially and ethnically diverse, represent suburban, rural, and urban areas and bring varied life experiences to the table. NWAP truly looks like what our state and country are all about. I am excited for the future,” he concluded.
Learn more about NWAP Organizations:
Arbor Housing and Development
HDC MidAtlantic
HACE
NeighborWorks Northeastern PA
NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania
www.neighborworkswpa.org
New Kensington Community Development Corporation
NHS of Greater Berks, INC
PathStone Corporation
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.
