Every day we are reminded of the critical role affordable housing plays in creating strong, vibrant communities. At Affordable Housing Advocates, our mission is to enhance the quality of lives and communities by advocating for, creating, and sustaining affordable housing options.
This past year, we have made significant strides in expanding our impact with maintaining and adding to our housing stock. In addition to providing quality and affordable housing to our community members, we enhanced our Resident Services team to be able to provide supportive services to assist residents and non-residents in their housing journeys.
Our commitment goes beyond providing a place for those to lay their head, we deepened our advocacy efforts for the continued creation of affordable housing along with the vital support services needed to ensure housing success. Advocating for equitable access to housing (including supports) is essential for long-term solutions.
Our vision remains ambitious as we look ahead. The need for affordable housing continues to grow as indicated by those seeking our services and documented in our lengthy waiting lists, and we are prepared to meet this challenge head on. We will continue to explore creative financing models, develop sustainable building practices, and prioritize residentcentered designs. None of this would be possible without the commitment of our friends and supporters – from our donors to our volunteers and community partners. You all play a crucial role in advancing our mission.
Thank you for your support of Affordable Housing Advocates. Together, we will continue along the path of Opening Doors and Improving Lives.
Joyce Santiago
Joyce Santiago, Chief Executive Officer
Affordable Housing Advocates is one of the first nonprofit housing development corporations in York County. Founded in 1971 as York Housing Development Corporation, the organization was created to provide much-needed quality and affordable housing for York’s low-income residents.
AHA has proudly served the community for 53 years. AHA has developed 45 homeownership units and rehabbed/constructed 550 units of safe, quality, affordable rental housing throughout York County. Today, AHA’s portfolio consists of 395 residential and seven commercial units.
Affordable Housing Advocates is recognized as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) and continues its focus on advocacy and development of affordable homeownership and rental opportunities.
AHA’s small, but mighty team is experienced with developing and managing housing regulated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the US Department of Agriculture – Rural Development, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, and local jurisdictional programs. We ensure operating and maintenance compliance with various housing programs, including HUD (Section 8, Section 202, HOME), USDA-Rural Development, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Anu Banks Member
Casey Darling-Horan President-Elect
Kevin Eisenhart Member
Melinda Eppolito Member
John Flinchbaugh Assistant Treasurer
Linda Gorter Member
Teresa Gregory Treasurer
Kraig Hursh President
Elizabeth Kepner Member
Lori Leister Member
Janis Lopez Member
Judith McKee Assistant Secretary
Montrel Morgan Member
Jennifer Moubray Member
Shane Patterson Member
Shelley Peterson Member
Julie Rosenau Secretary, Past President
Mark Shermeyer Member
Mildred Tavarez Member
Cheryl Yerger Vice President
STAFF
Sterling Chance
Tracey Chance
Jean Louis Leon Diaz
Jazmyn Hammonds
Teresa Hilbert
Anna Howard
Lakeisha Johnson
Adam Kraft
Debra Krebs
Amy Langhorn
Richard L. Miller Jr.
Caroline Pritchard
Kimberly Pritchard
David Ropiza
Amber Sanchez
Joyce Santiago
Darryl Stephens
Christina Stephens
- FORMER RESIDENT
FORMER RESIDENT “ MY LIFE HAS CHANGED
“ LIVING HERE, I AM ABLE TO GET OUT IN THE COMMUNITY.
-
Angela Swisko Violeny Vasquez
Dana Werner
Amelia Wilson
RESIDENTIAL APARTMENT LOCATIONS
THROUGH OUR 395 RESIDENTIAL UNITS, WE PROVIDE HOUSING FOR OVER 600 INDIVIDUALS ON AN ANNUAL BASIS.
CLOVERFIELD-KINGSTON HOUSE, West Manchester Township, West York Borough 102 UNITS (TWO LOCATIONS)
DELPHIA HOUSE APARTMENTS, York City 104 UNITS
DUTCH KITCHEN, York City 59 UNITS
GIRARD AVENUE HOMES, York City 12 UNITS
GREEN MEADOW APARTMENTS, Dillsburg Borough 46 UNITS
HIGHLAND MANOR APARTMENTS, Stewartstown Borough 33 UNITS
KING STREET APARTMENTS, York City 6 UNITS
LIBERTY APARTMENTS, York City 6 UNITS
SPARROW’S WAY, Dover Township 23 UNITS
YADC HOMES, York City 4 UNITS
Program and eligibility requirements can be found via our website, ahadvocates.org
HOUSING SPOTLIGHT
OUR HOUSING SPOTLIGHT THIS FISCAL YEAR IS OUR SINGLE ROOM OCCUPANCY (SRO) BUILDING, DUTCH KITCHEN.
THE DUTCH KITCHEN IS LOCATED AT 381 W. MARKET STREET, IN YORK CITY. IT HAS 59 ROOMS, (55 OF WHICH ARE ELIGIBLE FOR SUBSIDY THROUGH THE HOUSING VOUCHER PROGRAM OF THE YORK HOUSING AUTHORITY).
SRO HOUSING OFFERS SEVERAL KEY BENEFITS, PARTICULARLY FOR THOSE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS (WHICH IS THE PREFERENCE AT THE DUTCH KITCHEN).
DUTCH KITCHEN
Since opening its doors in 1993 through the end of June 2024, the Dutch Kitchen has housed a total of 694 residents. Here is a breakdown of those individuals:
THERE ARE MANY WAYS IN WHICH YOU CAN SUPPORT AHA:
$50
$100
$500
Contributions of $50 provides our new residents with move-in kits. Many of our new residents have nothing. Help make a difference by welcoming our new community members with necessities so that they can have a fresh start.
Your $100 gift will help previously unsheltered community members or survivors of domestic abuse with funds for rent and security deposits.
Change comes from action and awareness, and we need your help spreading the word about the affordable housing needs in York. Your $500 contribution will help to educate and advocate for favorable housing policies.
$750
$1,000
Annually, we provide approximately 600 residents with safe, quality housing, but we can’t do it alone. Your support of $750 will help hard-working families access affordable rental opportunities.
York residents of all ages work hard to obtain the American Dream of homeownership. The lack of affordable options leaves them hopeless and seeking housing elsewhere. But your $1,000 investment will go towards making these dreams realities. Please join us to assist a neighbor in need.
WE ALSO TAKE DONATIONS OF MATERIAL ITEMS TO JUMPSTART RESIDENTS IN A SUCCESSFUL HOUSING JOURNEY.
LEAVE A LEGACY
Today, a one-bedroom apartment in York County can cost as much as $1,500/monthly. Affordable housing should be accessible to all. Help us make this a reality. Please consider Affordable Housing Advocates when leaving your legacy. Not only do we accept monetary donations, but we also accept property or home donations that will provide safe housing that ultimately could save lives.
• Two new organizational subcommittees (Fund Development, Housing Awareness) became active and met throughout the year, providing input and support for AHA’s fundraising and housing advocacy efforts.
• Successfully recruited two new members to the Board of Directors. Recognized the achievements of both Teresa Gregory and John Flinchbaugh, outgoing Board members this fiscal year.
• Our Resident Services team expanded beyond the Service Coordinator roles to include a Case Manager, Family SelfSufficiency Coordinator, and Housing Coordinator – furthering the reach of assisting residents and community members in their quest for stable housing.
• Staff and members of the Strategic Planning Committee provided input and created a draft Strategic Plan that will be rolled out in the upcoming fiscal year.
• Purchased 305, 307, and 313 E. King Street from Bell Socialization Services.
FUNDING
FROM $45,000 THE CITY OF YORK FOR HOME-ARP FUNDING
RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM
$89,817 THE YORK COUNTY COALITION ON HOMELESSNESS THAT AHA IS BEING RECOMMENDED FOR COUNTY HOME-ARP FUNDS
WILL BE AWARDED FROM
$312,005 THE CITY OF YORK TO CONSTRUCT THE HOMEOWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY AT 254-256 S. QUEEN STREET
APPROVED FUNDING FROM
$444,000
PHFA (PHARE PROGRAM) THAT WE WILL BE AWARDED FOR TWO GRANTS SUBMITTED IN NOVEMBER 2023. THE GRANTS ARE TO CASE MANAGEMENT AT DUTCH KITCHEN ($44,000) AND HOMEOWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ($400,000).
• With PHFA PHARE funds received, we were able to purchase 616 Chestnut Street and provide housing for a household with the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8).
• Part of a collaboration of providers that wish to provide rental housing education to clients of local shelters that will assist with successful housing efforts.
• Continue ongoing participation on the steering committee for the Stable Housing Collaborative.
REVENUE
Thank you York!
SPECIAL THANKS TO SUPPORTERS OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVOCATES THROUGH OUR FUNDRAISING EFFORTS SUCH AS GIVING TUESDAY, GIVE LOCAL YORK, AND OUR JAZZ CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH.
TOGETHER,
WE ARE ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF LIVES AND COMMUNITIES BY ADVOCATING FOR, CREATING, AND SUSTAINING AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPTIONS.
Abbruzzese, Terri Accounting Services of York LLC
Anderson, Diane Appell Center for the Performing Arts Ball, Kelly & Patrick Barker, Daniel
Beck, Jeremy
Bortolin, Alanna Beaverson, Ashley
Black, Michael Bowser, Todd & Karen Boysen, Kellie & Kinley
Brancato, Amy
Briarwood Golf Club, Inc.
Brickner, Kathleen Brown, Kathy
Bumbaugh, Chad Cahill, Sarah Capital Blue Cross Campbell Associates Campbell, Maureen Carter, Tony Caruso, Joan CGA Law Firm
Chambliss, Ophelia Children’s Dental Centre of York Clark, Averie Connor, Victoria Continental Paper Grading Co. Couch, Michael Creation Services Group
Cutaia, Dan Dallam, Danika
Darling-Horan, Casey Dean, Corinne
Duffy, Colleen
Duzan, Lucinda
Eisenhauer’s York Harley-Davidson Engram, Elexis
Engram II, Ellex
Eppolito, Melinda
Flinchbaugh, John & Debbie
Forry, Lisa
Frye, Michelle
Gable, Deborah
Gaines, Andrea
Gibb, Ellen Gift Horse Brewing Company
Given, Meagan & Philip Gogniat, Deborah Gonzalez, David
Gorter, Linda
Gregory, Teresa
Greiner, J. Andrew
Hebel, Teresa
Henry, Donna
Hogue, Elliott
Hoyt, Mary Ellen
Hughes, Joanne
Hursh, Kraig
Ivovich, Daniel
Johnson, Emily
Johnston, June
Jones, David & Lehman, Nichole
Jones, Julia
Kenny, Sean & Laura
Kepner, Elizabeth
Keystone Kidspace Kirkenir, Joe
Kleppers Security Source
Kissinger, Randy & Bobbi Anne DeLeo
Koplitz, Andrew
Krebs, Debra
Kukorlo, Natasha
Laugerman Goodwin, Heather
Lebo Skin Care Center
Leister, Lori
Leon, Anelisse
Liriano, Wanda
Livering, Tiffany
Lloyd, Linda
Locke, Sonja & Dwight
Loucks, Debbie
Lutz, Angela
M&T Bank
Markey, Chris
Martin, Rick & Sue
Matthie, Barbara
McConkey Insurance & Benefits
McKonly & Asbury
McMillan, Susan
Meagher, Laura
Miller Jr., Richard L.
Miller, Roger
Monarch Development Group LLC
Nixon, Henry & Barbara
Olkowski, John & Andrea
Ordway, Aaron & Debra
Parquette, Paulette
Patterson Jr., Romulus
Patterson, Shane & Jill
PeoplesBank
Pullo, Bob & Donna
Ravier, Tammy
Reinecker, Sarah
Remace, Ltd
Rhodes, Mark & Val
RoboPainting LLC
Rohrbaugh, Elizabeth
Rohrbaugh, Robin
Rohrbaugh, Shane & Haley
Rosenau, Julie & Scott
SAAarchitects
Sanchez, Amber
Santiago, Joyce & José
Schaad Detective Agency Inc.
Seebold, Andy & Adele
Shipley Energy
Silvers Raineri, Laura
Singleton, Jim & Accardo, Stella
Smith, Nicole
Stevens, Christina
Stoner, Kevin
Swisko, Angela
Swisko, Bob
Swisko, Catherine
Swisko, Jennifer
The Belmont Theatre
The Schweitzer Family
Thew, Dr. Michael
Thomas, Sarah
Tolbert, Julian
Traditions Bank
Vasquez, Violeny & Joan
Verdure Day Spa & Wellness Center
Villafañe, Joey & Maggie
Walsh, Sandra
White Rose Realty, LLC
Wilson, Amelia
Wilson, Kimberly
Woodmansee, Lee & Barbara
Yerger, Cheryl
York County Community Foundation
Zellers, Christine
Thank you TO THIS YEAR’S PLATINUM SPONSOR!
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, and familial status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 202250-9410 or call 800-795-3272 (voice) or 202-720-6382 (TDD).
Affordable Housing Advocates does not discriminate on the basis of disability status in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its federally-assisted programs and activities. Kimberly Krynock (Affordable Housing Advocates, 3 Rathton Road, York, PA 17403, 717-846-5139, TTY: 7-1-1) has been designed to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s regulations implementing Section 504 (24CFR, part 8 dated June 2, 1988).
