In response to the growing demand for affordable housing in the region, the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) today announced it is expanding operations into Maryland.
“For 30 years, APAH has worked to address the need for affordable housing but the need is not limited to Arlington County,” said APAH CEO Nina Janopaul. “As demand for more affordable housing grows throughout the DC metropolitan area, APAH decided it was only right to expand our efforts into other jurisdictions and become a regional organization.”
APAH has been recognized by national and regional organizations for its leadership and innovation in developing safe, quality affordable homes throughout Northern Virginia. The nonprofit currently has more than 1,800 homes in Northern Virginia and another 800 units in development, including 700 in Arlington County and additional units in Fairfax and Loudon counties. APAH’s decision to expand into Maryland was welcome news for local leaders.
“APAH does not just develop and operate affordable rental units. It creates communities,” said Kevin Yam, APAH board chairman. “Residents are not just renting an apartment, they are building their lives. APAH works with more than 20 partner organizations to give its residents the opportunity to build assets, and increase their family and financial stability.”
APAH’s regional expansion begins with its recent purchase of Snowden’s Ridge, an affordable housing community located on 5.56 acres in northern Silver Spring that APAH bought for $18.5 million. Montgomery County supported the project with a $2.75M loan. The project was also funded with an acquisition loan from Atlantic Union Bank (formerly Access National Bank).
“Montgomery County faces an affordable housing crisis – particularly for our most vulnerable – those earning 30 percent of the AMI or less,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Snowden Ridge is home to workers, seniors and families who are an essential part of our community. We were happy to work with APAH to ensure that these families can stay in their homes – and in Montgomery County.”
“My father and his partner developed the Snowden’s Mill community more than three decades ago. They also developed Snowden’s Ridge. Snowden’s Ridge is an 87-unit, Section 8 Townhome neighborhood in the center of that community,” said Michael Fisher. “Our families have taken pride in Snowden’s Ridge and are also proud to say that it has been well maintained and managed since Day One by one management firm. We are delighted with our sale of the property to APAH. We feel that they share a similar pride in Snowden’s Mill and will maintain its preservation well into the future.”
The complex, located on Harlequin Terrace near Route 29 in the Fairland neighborhood in Silver Spring, is home to approximately 300 people. Built in 1980, the complex features a mix of 1- to 3-bedroom units spread across 13 buildings; more than half of the units are 3-bedrooms units to meet the needs of families. All of the units have a rental subsidy from HUD, and 82% of the units serve households making less than 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
“We are thrilled that our expansion into Montgomery County is starting with such a special community,” Janopaul said. ” In the coming months APAH will be completing plans for renovation to improve the property. We are excited to get to know the residents, and work with them to refresh the buildings, launch a variety of service programs and help them stay in Snowden’s Ridge where they have lived for so long.”