From Ana Andrade, HCA tenant & Tenant Council Leadership Group member
On Employment Services:“Over the last year, HCA assisted over 25 people in setting career goals, searching for jobs, and improving their interview skills, including 11 people who got new positions!I personally benefited from the hands-on assistance, whether that was working on my resume, or looking for jobs and getting help through the application process. And it was through that help that I’m now working at the Cambridge Housing Authority as a Tenant Coordinator.”
From Vicki Santiago, HCA Tenant & Tenant Council Leadership Group member
On MBTA Communities Engagement:
“Over the last year, HCA helped its tenants and other members understand what the MBTA Communities policy is…and, at several meetings and events, they helped us share our input with the Town about where the new multifamily housing zones should go.
I decided to host an MBTA Communities meeting in my HCA building because I saw MBTA communities as an opportunity to use some of my knowledge and contribute to my new neighborhood. We are raising our family in this town that we like, and we feel welcomed and thankful.”
From Tyson Price, HCA Tenant & Tenant Council Leadership Group member
On the HCA Tenant Council:
“Over the last year, HCA surveyed the tenants living in all 150 apartments to ask them about what is working and what isn’t working in their buildings. Over the last couple of months, HCA has been helping some tenant leaders to plan to form a Tenant Council for tenants of all of HCA’s properties.
I’m a member of that leadership group. By working together, I believe you can create a more favorable and responsive living environment for all residents. Some of the benefits and considerations associated with the formation of a Tenant Council will be improved communication, collective problem solving, community building, and increased accountability.
Overall, I think the formation of a Tenant Council is a positive step towards empowering tenants and improving living conditions.”
From Danita Callender, HCA social services recipient
On the Homelessness Prevention Program:
“Over the last year, HCA provided over $116,000 in Homelessness Prevention Program grants to 59 Arlington families, so that those families could remain housed. This program is even more important today because the rising cost of food, and the end of COVID era benefits, has made it even harder for families to cover their costs.
This program made a great impact on me by being a support to us in our time of need. I was granted financial assistance which was a blessing at a time when I was having difficulty. It is truly a tremendous source of relief to have someone in your corner ready and able to assist you.”
From Shelly Dein, HCA Real Estate Committee member
On Real Estate Development:
“In the last year, HCA got CPA funds, Housing Trust Funds, and zoning approved for our 43-unit energy efficient rental housing development that we will build at 10 Sunnyside Ave in East Arlington.
This work is important to me, and I serve on the HCA real estate committee because. I care passionately about providing high quality affordable housing opportunities to low- and moderate-income households, as well as addressing climate change.
Sunnyside Ave is being designed to the highest energy-efficiency standards which means that the new building will be resilient in the face of worsening weather conditions. I believe that welcoming new low- and moderate-income residents to Arlington brings a vibrancy and diversity to the town, and enriches all of us who live here. I am especially pleased that the Sunnyside building is being planned just a few streets away from where I live.”
A special thank you to outgoing board member, Frank Tadley, who has served on the HCA Board of Directors since 2018 and has been a tenant in one of HCA’s affordable homes for 10 years.
