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HCA Community Gathered for Annual Meeting!
The HCA Annual Meeting on October 22 was a vibrant celebration of the past year’s achievements and the exciting projects ahead.
The meeting began with a musical slideshow that captured the moments that defined the last year for the HCA community. From new housing, to the social services provided, to the expansion of our civic engagement, the slideshow served as a reminder of the hard work, dedication, and spirit of collaboration that drives our mission.
Then attendees heard from members of the HCA Tenant Council Steering Committee. The Tenant Council has been conducting extensive outreach and gathering input to shape its priorities for the upcoming year. Steering Committee members shared reflections on their personal experiences in ensuring that the voices of tenants are heard and that the needs of HCA’s tenant community are met.
The Deacon Frank Mendosa Community Service Award was given to ArCs Cluster. This award honors an individual or organization whose contributions to the community reflect the values and qualities that made Deacon Frank such a beloved figure—compassion, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to service. The ArCs Cluster’s tireless efforts to support the local refugee population and foster strong community bonds made them the perfect recipient of this community award.
A special part of the meeting involved interactive voting, where attendees had the opportunity to contribute their input on two significant topics:
Colors for the 10 Sunnyside Avenue Development! Attendees had the chance to vote on the exterior color scheme for this beautiful building, which will start construction in March. Members of the HCA Real Estate Committee also gave us a history of the project to date before we voted.
Bylaw Updates and New Board Members: Members voted on proposed updates to our bylaws and the election of four new board members: John Oliver, Sherika Williamson, Chris Claflin, and Mike Mango. These new members bring a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives that will help guide HCA’s mission and vision in the coming years.
Each table then discussed what they hoped to see HCA doing in coming years. Some answers included:
– Developing more solar powered units
– Building affordable housing over parking lots
– Computer literacy classes and computer room
– More tenant activities throughout the year
– More subsidies to lower the affordable rents more
– Getting involved with the Arlington Master Plan update
– Preserving existing buildings for affordable housing
– Help tenants become Town Meeting members
– Keep fighting for the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act
…and much more! We are looking at all of the suggestions and will advance them as we can.
Dessert included a beautifully decorated cake featuring a picture of our brand new affordable, modular, solar powered, Passive House certified Accessory Dwelling Unit, which was built for us by Reframe Systems (We expect to be welcoming a tenant into their new home in coming weeks)! Guests also enjoyed a performance of classic hits by a local band, 6 or 7 —adding to the celebratory atmosphere of the evening.
The Annual Meeting served as a reminder of the strength of our community and the power of our mission. Thank you for being a part of this community! |
rtnership this month with Mass General Hospital’s Institute of Health Professionals to provide free skilled nursing services for our tenants! This service will not replace regular medical care, but will help to supplement it in significant ways.
