Email from Affordable Homes & Communities New Rent Relief Pilot, Real Estate Updates, & Georgetown EMBA Student Presentation August 2025 E-Newsletter $66K Rent Relief Pilot Supports 11 Alexandria Families at The Spire On August 1, we launched the RISE Program at The Spire in Alexandria, a new pilot initiative providing $250/month in rent relief to participating families. Thanks to a $66,000 gift from the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 11 families will receive monthly support for two years — along with access to financial education through our partner Britepaths and a matched savings component. “We know that affordable housing is a platform for economic mobility, transformation, and human development — and this program provides just that,” Susan Davidson, AHC’s Vice President of Resident Services, said. Read Full Story REAL ESTATE RECAP Learning Together, Building Together Today, AHC concluded a four-part Real Estate Investment Training Program led by Dr. Matthew L. Cypher, Professor at Georgetown University and Director of the Steers Center for Global Real Assets. Offered both on site and virtually, the series focused on strengthening staff knowledge in real estate development and financial analysis.  Open to all employees and required for our Real Estate Development and Asset Management teams, the sessions underscored AHC’s commitment to continuous learning and cross-functional collaboration. Staff expanded their understanding of the real estate industry, explored concepts beyond their day-to-day roles, and contributed to a shared knowledge base that supports AHC’s mission and long-term impact.   Allium Place in the Media Allium Place, AHC’s new community in Silver Spring with partners Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland and Montgomery County, held its grand opening earlier this summer. The community has since been featured in Affordable Housing Finance, Bethesda Today, and NBC4 Washington for its unique approach to affordable housing.   Program Space Available AHC is looking for a partner to rent available programming space at Gates of Ballston in Arlington, Virginia. The space is 8 by 10 feet. Gates of Ballston is a vibrant and diverse 17-acre garden-style community with 465 apartments. The retail space is available within the 10,000-square-foot community center that supports AHC’s award-winning Resident Services programs on site. Interested? Email Becky Koons to learn more.   THOUGHT LEADERSHIP ICYMI: Toolbox Talk On July 31, we hosted a Toolbox Talk webinar about how Allium Place puts forth a bold new model for community impact through public/private partnership. The community is redefining what’s possible by co-locating affordable rental and homeownership opportunities. The conversation featured Mary Claire Davis, AHC Vice President of Real Estate Development, and Ron Spoor, Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland Vice President of Construction & Real Estate Acquisition. Watch Now Creative Solutions for Expanding Affordable Housing AHC consultant David Roodberg gives a fresh take on how converting existing market-rate buildings into affordable and workforce housing can be a faster, more cost-effective way to meet growing demand in an article for George Mason University's Mercatus Center. We’re proud to have team members like David helping us think outside the box and push for practical, scalable solutions that make a real difference in our communities. Read David’s Full Article NEWS NUGGETS AHC Engages Georgetown EMBA Team to Explore Scalable Resident Services Model On July 17, a team of Executive MBA students from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business in Dubai presented strategic recommendations for the future of AHC’s Resident Services. Over the past few months, students Mohamoud Adam, Eman Abdulghani Alawadhi, Reem Essa Alblooshi, David Moloto, Mo Al Obeidli, and Georgia Papadimitriou conducted in-depth research to help AHC identify new opportunities for growth and impact. Read Full Story   How One Family Made AHC Volunteering a Tradition Four years ago, Thomas Bartlett walked into an AHC classroom as a nervous freshman, joining his older sister as a volunteer. That first day turned into a four-year commitment — and a family tradition of service. Now a Yorktown High School graduate headed to Syracuse University, Thomas reflects on the bonds he built with students, the lessons he learned, and the legacy he’s passing on to his younger brother, who will begin volunteering with AHC this fall. Read Full Story & Watch Video National Night Out Brings Neighbors Together On August 5, residents across AHC communities came together to celebrate National Night Out with food, activities, and conversations with neighbors. This annual event strengthens community bonds by bringing together residents, local partners, volunteers, and AHC staff. Thank you to everyone who helped make NNO a blast this year! View Photos & Watch Video   GET INVOLVED Volunteer With Us Have you been curious about volunteering, but don't know where to start? We've got you covered! AHC is hosting virtual Volunteer Information Sessions this month. We'll discuss a variety of programs and volunteer opportunities, including afterschool tutoring and mentoring, food distributions, at-home projects, community-building events, and more! New volunteers will learn about next steps to get involved this fall. Click one of the links below to register. Contact us with any questions, and we hope to see you soon! Session 1 - Thursday, August 21, 12-1 p.m. Session 2 - Friday, August 22, 12-1 p.m. Session 3 - Monday, August 25, 7-8 p.m. Session 4 - Wednesday, August 27, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Note: The content at these sessions will be the same, so please only register for one. There's Still Time to Help AHC Students Gear Up! for Back-to-School The deadline to give to the Gear Up! Back-to-School Campaign has been extended to August 28! Your generosity will help nearly 2,000 AHC kids start school with a backpack full of supplies. Contributions will make double the impact thanks to a $15,000 matching gift challenge from John Andelin and Ginger Geoffrey. We are grateful to everyone who has supported this important campaign. We can’t do it without you! Match My Gift AHC sincerely appreciates your support in providing these essential services to children in our communities!   Thank You to Our Corporate Partners Benefactor Builder Patron First Citizens Bank Klein Hornig LLP MainStreet Bank Shulman Rogers Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh   Are you part of a company that wants to make a difference? Our Corporate Partners provide funds that equip our residents with the tools they need to thrive! Please contact [email protected] to learn more!     703-486-0626 | 2230 N Fairfax Dr. Arlington, VA 22201 ahcommunities.org | DONATE NOW Jobs at AHC AHC | 2230 North Fairfax Drive Suite 100 | Arlington, VA 22201 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice