LANCASTER, PA – Beginning March 17, HDC MidAtlantic (HDC) is increasing its mitigation strategies to help prevent the spread of COVID-19at the organization’s corporate office in Lancaster (PA), and each of its 58 housing communities. These steps are being taken in order to continue essential operations and provide critical services to our residents at this unprecedented time, while working to protect the health and safety of all employees and residents. HDC has modified its business operations to a “Remote Work” strategy for non-essential personnel at our Corporate Office and for essential personnel working onsite at our affordable housing communities, we are limiting our business operations to critical and essential duties.
HDC’s understands that in this time of uncertainty many households may face financial hardship in the coming weeks. HDC remains committed to working with residents to ensure housing stability, advocating for their needs, and partnering to provide access to resources for households to utilize an array of supportive services. We recognize these commitments are as important now as ever, and have implemented a COVID-19 action plan keeping as many services and resources available as possible.
The increased protocol taking effect March 17 at all HDC housing communities, includes but is not limited to:
- Practicing social distancing protocols by limiting in-person meetings and conducting business by phone or email
- Canceling all resident activities and events, with the exception of food distribution programs
- Strongly discouraging outside guests and vistors to the community
- Limit maintenance to performing enhanced cleaning onsite, emergency and health and safety work orders only
- Offering assistance to those may be struggling to pay rent through HDC’s Eviction Prevention Program
- Implementing protocol established for resident welfare checks for highest risk individuals
These strategies are part of HDC’s holistic action plan to monitor and reduce the risk of exposure and infection for our employees and residents, and follow guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health officials across the footprint of our operations.
We will post any further updates on our website and on social media.
About HDC:
HDC MidAtlantic envisions a world where a safe, welcoming, affordable place to call home is open to everyone. Since 1971, HDC has been working to provide housing that is safe and affordable to those with lower incomes, focusing on seniors, families, and individuals living with disabilities. Serving over 5,000 residents in 58 communities located in urban, suburban and rural areas across Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, HDC builds hope and opportunity for all residents to reach their full potential by creating, preserving, and strengthening affordable housing communities.
Contact: Chad Martin, 717-291-1911 x8028, cmartin@hdcweb.com
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.
