Affordable Housing.
As the economy deteriorates and the number of individuals and families without shelter increases, homelessness prevention advocates know that providing transitional and supportive housing is only the beginning to helping at risk families achieve lives of self-sufficiency. Affordable housing with supportive services is a critical key to ending homelessness. This is the mission of THC Affordable Housing, Inc. (THCAH).
THCAH has three active projects in Ward 4. The first is renovation of a 32 unit abandoned building located at 6030 13th Place NW that THCAH purchased in 2007. The project will be known as Fort View Apartments and will provide rental housing for households earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) with 9 of the 32 units for very low income persons. Construction drawings are complete and the permits are in hand. THCAH expects to close on the tax credits and bond financing by fall of 2009 allowing the renovation to begin in December.
THCAH’s second project is Webster Gardens that is located across from St. Paul’s Church, Rock Creek Parish. Originally constructed in 1921, Webster Gardens is the first garden-style apartment constructed in the District. Deferred maintenance over the years has allowed the property to fall into serious disrepair.
THC Affordable Housing Inc is partnering with Somerset Development Company, LLC and the Webster Garden Tenants Association to preserve the 52-unit complex as affordable rental housing and as an historic landmark. While the project was approved under a District funding round for underwriting, due to a shortage in funds, the District Department of Housing and Community Development has not yet funded the project.
Not to be deterred, THC Affordable Housing has continued to work on the renovation plans and with the tenants association, appearing with them before the City Council Hearing on February 11th to encourage City Council to fund Webster Gardens. THCAH’s goal is to stabilize the site and complete renovation in the next year, thus permitting the many elderly tenants who have no other place to live to remain in the homes.
THCAH’s third project is assisting the residents of a Co-op at 1363 Peabody Street, NW in remaining in their property and out of foreclosure. Working with Housing Counseling Services, THCAH has helped the Co-op identify funding sources. This past week the District awarded THCAH $100,000 in Neighborhood Investment Funds to help make needed repairs to the property and negotiate with the lenders. THCAH will continue to seek projects that bring its affordable housing expertise to help create additional affordable housing units to the citizens of the District.
To undertake these affordable housing projects, THCAH needs your support. Please consider making a tax deductible contribution to the THC Affordable Housing Fund. For further information about THCAH, contact Suzanne Welch at THC’s offices or by e-mailing her at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
