WIN Annual Reports June 2018 Midyear Report | Page 14

AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Brightwood Communities I Completed!
In August 2017 UrbanMatters, WIN’s affordable
housing development partner, completed 140
units of affordable housing in the Brightwood
neighborhood of Washington, DC. This project
was completed in partnership with The
Hampstead Group and the Brightwood Tenants
Associations of the Valencia, Vizcaya and
Concord Apartments. The project was
conducted in tandem with residents, and
resulted in modernized facilities that include a
private community room, an on-site technology
center, as well as a fitness area. Resident
services will be provided by the Latino
Economic Development Center and will include
financial literacy courses, and health and
wellness programs. To make the development
possible, the Brightwood Tenants Association
used the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act
(TOPA) to preserve the affordability of the
apartments and to avoid tenants being displaced
from their homes.
Old Hebrew Home/1125 Spring Road NW I
Developer selected to build 148 affordable units!
In 2009 WIN began pressing that this vacant
site be used for affordable housing. After lying
vacant for more than 7 years and after many
setbacks, the redevelopment is progressing.
WIN organized nearby residents to push for
maximized affordability, and especially deep
affordability (30% AMI or below) for low-income
residents including turning out to and testifying
at community meetings, a 150-person action
with Councilmember Nadeau in 2016, and
starting a community petition. In 2017, the
city selected one of the developers with the
highest rates of deep affordability! The proposal
includes building 148 units of affordable housing.
WIN will continue to organize to ensure this
project gets zoning and funding to get a shovel
in the ground.
2018 MIDYEAR REPORT
14