Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Contact: Cynthia Stevens 703-228-1187 (voice) 703-228-4611(TTY)
Arlington Honors Efforts of Local Affordable Housing Providers
Community Housing Organizations, Property Managers Provide Housing to County Residents with Disabilities
ARLINGTON– Arlington today honored six community housing organizations and ten property managers who together have provided more than 52 permanent, affordable apartments to County residents with disabilities.
AHC, Inc.; AHC Management; Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH); Wesley Housing Development Corporation (WHDC); Paradigm Management; and Robert Pierre Johnson Housing Development Corporation were the housing organizations honored during a luncheon at the National Rural Electrici Cooperative Association.
Maria Mendez, Zina Santos, Audrey Johnson and Theresa Washington (AHC); Sarah Wilson and Mike Herren (APAH); Nick Wassum and Alice Garnett (Paradigm); and Michelle Carey and Lisa Windsor (WHDC) were the property managers honored for working with Arlington's Department of Human Services to admit residents to units.
Background
Arlington’s Department of Human Services and members of the local affordable housing community forged a partnership less than a year ago to develop permanent housing solutions for persons with disabilities. Since then, 52 units have been designated for the program and 36 County residents have moved in as the units became available.
"This partnership is working; it has helped ensure that Arlington residents with disabilities have the housing – and the services – they need to live independently in our community,” said County Board Chairman Christopher Zimmerman.
Supportive housing provides an array of “supportive” human services that allow residents with disabilities to live independently and permanently in community settings. In May 2005, the Arlington Board approved a Supportive Housing Plan as part of the County’s Consolidated Housing Plan. In December 2005, Arlington County received a Best Practice Award for the Plan from the Washington Area Housing Partnership.
Terri Simons, 40, said that finding a permanent home was a struggle before she joined Arlington’s permanent supportive housing program. “This program is wonderful – anyone who wants help should know that programs like this are available to help people get a fresh start,” Simon said.
For additional information about the Supportive Housing Program and other Affordable Housing Services, call Cynthia Stevens at 703-228-1187.
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
