PRESIDENT’S WELCOME Welcome to the Elm City Communities/HANH FY2020 Annual Report! This COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to confront unexpected situations and reach new levels in order to be successful in meeting the needs of each of our residents this year. Despite this new challenge, we adapted quickly and successfully. From day one of this crisis, ECC/HANH has remained open for business and adopted new methods and protocols to continue our work, while creating new ways to get essential services to our residents. The pandemic of racism that came to national attention this year laid bare the realities that our families face every day. And in the same way we addressed the health pandemic, our team moved forward in partnership to address the systemic inequities in local, state and federal housing policy that deprive so many of the opportunity to thrive based upon discriminatory policies and practices.
The way we got it done is plain and simple: the dedicated teamwork of our staff. I am extremely proud of how they continue to work hard not only on behalf of our residents, but also those greatly affected by COVID-19. Each day brought on new challenges and everyone stepped up to make it work. Throughout this report, you will find stories from our residents and staff members that we hope will convey the importance of the essential work we do. It is in times such as these where we learn just how resilient, connected, and strong our community is and how committed we are to each other. Looking towards the future, it is clear that the way we operate will be much different. Every step we take will ultimately be towards making affordable housing available to not only our city’s residents, but those beyond our borders as well. We know this inclusive approach is the best way to assure that our lowincome families statewide have a safe, decent place to call home and the opportunities to achieve their goals. And we are poised, able, and ready for the job. Let’s all stay well and continue this essential work together.
Yours in Community,
Dr. Karen DuBois-Walton PRESIDENT
7
