At HDC, we’ve built a network of partners that believe in our vision and are committed to helping advance HDC’s mission. We are better because of our partners. We know we can’t do this work alone. And honestly, we wouldn’t want to. We value our partner’s expertise, knowledge, and passion to make our communities better, safer places to call home.
Our work does not only revolve around housing, but the many other social, economic and environmental factors that affect the health and wellbeing of our communities. Resources like access to healthy food and financial assistance contribute to the health and stability of our residents. And as we’ve all adjusted to the challenges posed by COVID-19, our partners of all types, sizes, and purposes have come together to keep our communities safe, healthy and stable. Over the past month, friends, partners, and neighbors across Pennsylvania have stepped up to provide HDC residents in need with extra resources including food boxes, grocery gift cards, meal vouchers, and masks.
Berks County
- Panera Bread, through the help of Helping Harvest Food Bank in Reading, PA, donated 200 lunch boxes for senior residents at Market Square Apartments and Penn’s Common Court.
Chester County
- The Housing Authority of the County of Chester donated $100 gift cards to Acme Markets and Giant Food Stores to seniors living at Ash Park Terrace in Coatesville, PA and families living at Hannum Gardens in West Chester. HDC District Manager Shawn Allmond distributed the gift cards to each family personally.
- The Classic Diner West Chester, in partnership with the Chester County Department of Aging, provided vouchers for meals to seniors living at Denney Reyburn Apartments in West Chester. Church of the Holy Trinity in West Chester donated handsewn masks to residents of Denney Reyburn Apartments.
Lancaster County
- David and Darlene Flaud, who own a snow removal company that services Mountain View Terrace in New Holland, donated food boxes to seniors living at the community. Community Manager Jane Wilt, with the help of partner Landis Communities, distributed the food boxes to residents on April 10 so the residents could bake a holiday meal for Easter. The Flaud’s also own Premier Structures.
- Hempfield United Methodist Church donated 40 hand-sewn masks for senior residents at Sylvan Retreat in Mountville.
- Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, in partnership with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and Community Action Partnerships, has delivered fresh produce to Saint Peter Apartments and Trinity House Apartments through the Food Bank’s Fresh Express program.
Luzerne County
- Holy Family Church Food Pantry donated non-perishable food boxes to residents at Exeter Senior Living in Exeter.
- The Wyoming Library Sewing Club and a family member of a resident living at Exeter Senior Living both donated handsewn masks for residents to wear.
Food Access
In addition to the partnerships listed above, HDC has continued to work with the following organizations to assist in food access and security:
- Central PA Food Bank (Lancaster County)
- Chester County Food Bank
- Faith Centre Food Bank (Bellefonte)
- Helping Harvest (Reading, PA)
Are you interested in helping HDC MidAtlantic? Reach out to Debbie Gable our Director Residents Services.
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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.
