Washington Housing Conservancy

Join WHC in celebrating #DisabilityPrideMonth today, on the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Enacted on July 26, 1990, the ADA marked a crucial moment in the journey towards equality and inclusion. Challenges in accessibility and discrimination persist, especially in housing—a domain not directly covered by the ADA but protected under the Fair Housing Act to ensure reasonable accommodations and modifications for those with disabilities. This 2023 article from Open Communities details the significance of Disability Pride Month and the critical issue of housing discrimination still faced by many in the disability community: https://buff.ly/4bZ5UcA

Connections between people are vital to addressing the #loneliness epidemic. Medium co-authors Bridget Marquis from Reimagining the Civic Commons and Kimberly Driggins from Washington Housing Conservancy tackle how #socialinfrastructure can help. https://buff.ly/3Y9DZna American Planning Association #civiccommonsus #washhousing #communitybuilding #affordablehousing

Check out the fantastic new report from D.C. Policy Center, examining #housingaffordability for essential workers in the District. Key takeaway – The high cost of rent in the city is an enormous economic burden for households, forcing key workers to live outside of the city and far from where they work. Increasing housing for #essentialworkers would benefit workers, their employers and the city overall. The report amplifies the core of WHC’s mission – to create #affordablehousing across income levels but most importantly for those being squeezed by high prices and low wages but making too much to qualify for subsidies. Read the DC Policy Center report here: https://buff.ly/3YAhatd #workforcehousing #metroDC

It’s time to invest in the places where human connection happens: our parks, community gardens, plazas, trails, greenspaces, libraries, apartment communities, and neighborhoods. Read how to uplift #socialinfrastructure on Medium, co-authored by WHC Executive Director Kimberly Driggins and Reimagining the Civic Commons' Director Bridget Marquis, in partnership with the American Planning Association. #civiccommonsus #affordablehousing #washhousing #communitybuidling https://buff.ly/3Y9DZna

WHC is excited to partner with KABOOM!, Monumental Sports & Entertainment and MSE Foundation to bring new playground to our Huntwood Courts community in the #Deanwood neighborhood of NE DC. Check out highlights from our recent Design Day last month with Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards athletes! https://lnkd.in/e3drm6XQ #washhousing #communitybuilding #play #socialimpact

WHC is pleased to share our new 5-Year Impact Report: Inspire. Innovate. Impact. This comprehensive report highlights our achievements, challenges, and the significant strides we have made in preserving affordable housing, fostering economic mobility and creating social connections for moderate- and low-income residents in the Washington, DC area. Thank you to the WHC, all our partners, the Stakeholder Council and all our investors and supporters for your commitment to our mission! Together, we can create solutions to the region's affordable housing need and reinvent the housing system to a more equitable pathway to opportunity, prosperity and health for all. https://lnkd.in/eurUwrQd #washhousing #affordablehousing #socialimpact #economicmobility

Last month, WHC's Crystal House community hosted a resident-led salsa class, with Boba tea from local small business Lily Bubble Tea & Smoothie to refresh attendees. Many new residents were able to make connections with each other in the process and brainstormed future events they'd like to plan! #washhousing #socialimpact #communitybuilding

Sharing this informative training opportunity from WHC's colleagues at National Housing Trust and HAND! On 7/18 and 7/25 they will host webinar panels with DC-area #affordablehousing leaders focusing on preservation in the region. Webinar details and registration linked here: https://lnkd.in/e8U-3iRR #realestate #metroDC #housingaffordability

Last month's report by the Apartment and Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington (AOBA) details the escalating crisis that endangers rental #housingaffordability for lower-income residents in DC. Their analysis foreshadows potential multifamily property foreclosures due to the post-pandemic surge in operating costs and rent delinquencies. With both rent-stabilized and market-rate affordable units at risk, AOBA calls for immediate legislative intervention to protect these essential homes and combat the looming #affordablehousing crisis. This report stresses the necessity for measures to preserve the future of rental housing for the DC metro region's most vulnerable populations. For more information and to access the full report, visit: https://lnkd.in/eQK8k5fU #metroDC #realestate

WHC's partner community Crystal House in #ArlingtonVA celebrated summer with an annual pool party in June! Thank you to staff for bringing the fun and games, a DJ spinning music all afternoon, and local food vendor Crystal City Sports Pub There was a great turnout with 150 residents connecting over food and shared interests. These events lead to deeper community connections and spark resident-led initiatives such as language, literacy, and parenting groups. #washhousing #socialimpact #communitybuilding