This is the first spotlight in our “Leadership Spotlight Series” to introduce you to the team of leaders working to advance HDC’s mission and vision. Meet another Leadership Team member in the next issue of The Home Front Newsletter.
While the entire team behind HDC has been hard at work living out the goals of people-centered service and advancing equity outlined in our 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, Debbie Gable, HDC’s Director of Resident Services, has been one of the biggest advocates for this work.
Raised in a blue-collar family where financial resources were sometimes scarce, Debbie adopted the ability to see the inherent worth of each person regardless of economic class. For her, joy and compassion can be found and fostered in every community, no matter the financial realities. This background fuels her approach to service and is the foundation for her ability to extend understanding and kindness to all.
Debbie has dedicated her career to supporting the most vulnerable people and populations in society. Her background includes an extensive career rooted in social justice, serving as an advocate for vulnerable populations in the York County area. She has served as director of education for Planned Parenthood of Central PA, a family therapist for Family Service Partners, and an English as a second language instructor and counselor with Lincoln Intermediate Unit #12.
Since joining HDC in 2011, Debbie has built a strong foundation for the organization’s Resident Services program to thrive. She sees herself not only as an advocate for residents, but the team of fifteen Resident Services Coordinators as well, ultimately raising their voices throughout the organization. She’s worked extensively to improve the reporting of success measures and analytics which helps to holistically highlight the team’s experience and expertise, and connect the work of resident services to housing as a whole. She has also worked closely with the organization’s Property Management Team to build stronger collaboration and partnership.
Debbie is deeply passionate about the wellbeing and stability of HDC’s residents, and has been at the forefront of HDC’s eviction prevention program, including the creation of the Michael R. Carper Hope & Opportunity Fund which was established to assist residents in maintaining housing stability through times of crises. She has also used her passion and insight to advance HDC’s work around social equity by participating in racial equity, diversity and inclusion-focused efforts and strategic planning, and is leading work for HDC to become a trauma-informed organization.
Debbie’s colleague Heather Haverstick, Resident Services Manager, describes Debbie’s dedication to HDC’s mission best: “Debbie’s desire to do the work and to be alongside people is completely engrained in her personal and professional life. She cares for everyone as she moves through the world. And regardless of how heavy the nature of things, she lives her life with a deep sense of joy that informs everything she does and everyone she touches.”
Meet another member of our Leadership Team in the next issue of our e-newsletter.
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.
