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Recognized as the largest community development and affordable housing coalition in the region, the Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers (HAND) has worked for over 25 years to support member efforts in establishing housing equity and supportive services for in-need families and households throughout Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Read more about HAND.

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If you are a member of the media, or simply someone who wants to know what’s going on in your area, HAND is a valuable resource to all who are interested in understanding community development dynamics in our region.

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HAND members are inspiring and informative. Read our Member Spotlights and keep up-to-date on vital issues impacting our region with Matters@HAND, our thought leadership series sponsored by Enterprise & Bellwether Enterprise of Lisa Sturtevant & Associates, LLC.

As part of our ongoing commitment To provide the necessary tools to help create and sustain thriving communities in the Washington, DC region, we are pleased to present Matters@HAND, a 12-part thought leadership series sponsored by Enterprise & Bellwether Enterprise and written by leading research and policy expert Dr. Lisa Sturtevant of Lisa Sturtevant & Associates, llc.

The work that provided the basis for this publication was supported by funding under an award with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  The substance and findings of the work are dedicated to the public. The author and publisher are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of HUD.

Fellowship Square and Community Partners: Uniting for Impact at the Annual Summer Food Rally

July 2, 2024
July 2, 2024

 

Last month, StarKist, Feed the Children, and Cornerstones hosted their third annual StarKist-Feed The Children Summer Food Rally aimed at combating food insecurity in Northern Virginia. The event successfully provided 21,000 pounds of donated food to five local food pantries and affordable housing nonprofits that reach vulnerable individuals and families in the region. Initially, this event was geared towards supporting families with children who depend on free or reduced-price meals during the school year and face challenges accessing food over the summer break. However, this year’s rally was expanded to include older adults, recognizing the unique challenges of food insecurity they face, such as physical difficulties in grocery shopping, meal preparation, and the financial dilemma of choosing between medications and groceries.

Fellowship Square, a HAND member and affordable housing and services provider for vulnerable seniors in the Washington DC metro area, was one of the five partners of the Food Rally. This event was an enjoyable occasion for Fellowship Square’s 300+ residents at Hunters Woods Fellowship House in Reston, Va., many of whom live on a restricted fixed income of less than $10,000/year, as it received widespread support and supplies from the Food Rally.

Nationally, food insecurity is a challenge that over 5 million older adults courageously face every day. In Virginia alone, 7.5% of the more than 1.9+ million seniors strive to meet thier nutritional needs. Addressing food insecurity requires collaboration and partnership. For Fellowship Square, partnering with Feed the Children (who focus on the other side of the age range!) and StarKist (who focus on the other side of the age range!) was an excellent opportunity to improve the lives of older adults by providing them access to nutrient-rich foods, contributing to a healthier Fellowship Square community overall. For additional information, please read the news release. 

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Five Minutes With Lauren Marcus

March 4, 2024
March 4, 2024
 
 
The HAND network is hard at work to address the growing housing affordability challenge across the Capital Region. Five Minutes With is a series highlighting these members and other stakeholders. This informal conversation delves into their recent projects, the affordable housing industry, and more. 
 
In this edition, we had the pleasure of chatting with Lauren Marcus, Partner at Tiber Hudson. Take a look at our dialogue below to discover Lauren’s journey in the industry, her work with institutional lenders, bond underwriters, developers, and municipal issuers, and insights on public speaking and the importance of mentorship.
 
 
HAND: Congratulations on your new role as Partner at Tiber Hudson! Can you tell us about your journey to this point, particularly your work with institutional lenders, bond underwriters, developers, and municipal issuers?
LM: I love talking about my journey to this point because, looking back on the spring of 2016, when I graduated from law school, I never thought I would be here. I graduated from GW Law without a job offer and a “B” grade point average, which seriously felt like the kiss of death. During that summer, I studied for the bar exam, and once the exam was over, I started my job search. I saw a posting for a fellowship position in the Official of the General Counsel at the DC Housing Authority (DCHA); I applied and was hired within two weeks! I really enjoyed my time at DCHA, and it was especially meaningful because I was given the opportunity to interact with so many residents. There is nothing more gratifying than helping someone put their voucher to work after being on a waitlist for 10+ years.

After about 18 months, I was ready to make the jump to the private sector. While working on an affordable housing deal (representing DCHA as the developer), I had my first interaction with Kent Neumann, a founding member of Tiber Hudson LLC. He explained a complex bond structure to the working group, which immediately caught my interest. After that meeting, my resume made its way to Kent (thanks to one of my amazing mentors), and the rest is history! This June, I’ll celebrate 6 years at Tiber Hudson. From day one, I was thrown into all of the action. At certain firms, younger associates aren’t given the opportunity to interact with major clients at meetings, conferences, etc. But at Tiber Hudson, the partners were intentional about building my confidence early on. We’re a boutique law firm, so associates are tasked with managing deals from start to finish early in their careers. That allowed me to start building key relationships with our underwriter, developer, and lender clients. I’ve gained their trust and respect over the last 6 years, and I attribute that to the latitude I was given to be so hands-on and independent during my early days at Tiber.

 
HAND: How did your previous role prepare you for this new position?
LM: Although my title is new, my day-to-day hasn’t changed. At Tiber Hudson, we close about 250 deals a year. In light of that volume, all of the attorneys take a very hands-on approach to our transactions. Whether it’s document drafting and negotiation, cash flow preparation, or obtaining a rating from a rating agency, we oversee it all. As I’ve progressed at the firm, I’ve taken on more client relationships and business-building opportunities. My prior position as a senior associate certainly helped me hone my skills in these areas. Now, as a partner, I have even more confidence in my abilities as a public finance attorney.
 
HAND: The announcement mentions that you have been a featured speaker at industry conferences. Could you share some insights or key takeaways from one of these speaking engagements?
LM: Answering this question makes me smile because I used to HATE public speaking! As I alluded to earlier, my partners have always been intentional about including me in every aspect of our business. With practice, I’ve become more confident in my abilities as a public speaker and subject matter expert. One of my main takeaways is that accepting these opportunities is an excellent way to promote your firm and your “brand” as an attorney/expert within the industry. I am always pleasantly surprised at the positive feedback I receive from industry folks when they’ve listened to one of my presentations. Public speaking has given me a greater appreciation of how speaking engagements drive business and distinguish Tiber Hudson from others in the industry.
 
HAND: Tiber Hudson is described as a leader in the affordable housing industry. What do you think sets the firm apart from others in the industry, and how do you see yourself contributing to its ongoing success?
LM: Tiber Hudson prides itself on being proactive—as opposed to reactive—when it comes to changing trends in the industry. Inside and outside of the firm, I feel so fortunate to work with an amazing group of thought leaders and innovators in this space. I never want to be the smartest person in the “room,” and I believe that good people and good energy attract the same. Having a mastery of bond finance is certainly important, but ultimately, I believe that being a good person goes a long way in attracting and maintaining client relationships. My work at Tiber Hudson has connected me with many talented individuals, many of whom have become great friends. The cultivation of genuine friendships in the industry is one way I hope to continue to add to the success of the firm.
 
HAND: Since it is this month is Women’s History Month, can you discuss any contributions or advancements made by s in the field of affordable housing that have inspired or influenced your work?
 LM: I’m so happy that this question gives me a chance to shout out two amazing African American women in this industry: Alethia Nancoo, Partner in the Public & Infrastructure Finance practice group at Squire Patton Boggs and Anitra Androh, Partner in the Real Estate and Affordable Housing practice group at Polsinelli PC.  Alethia and Anitra have been mentoring me since the spring of 2018. Back then, I was doubtful about securing a job at a major law firm because I didn’t graduate at the top of my law school class. Both women have been so selfless in their mentorship, including reviewing my resume, connecting me with members of their network and even conducting mock job interviews! They’ve both created such big names for themselves in DC and around the country, despite facing adversity and unique challenges in their careers. I’ve certainly been a beneficiary of their dedication to supporting younger Black women in the field and as I progress in the industry, I hope to pay it forward and do the same.
 
HAND: What is your “why”? What keeps you motivated to continue your work in this space?
LM: My early days practicing at the DC Housing Authority laid an amazing foundation for my work in affordable housing. As a Legal Fellow and later Associate Attorney in the General Counsel’s office, I was often given the opportunity to work one-on-one with public housing residents. Public housing residents are some of the most vulnerable individuals in our city because for generations, many have been victims of economic disenfranchisement and gentrification that fails to incorporate their voices and values into the fabric of their revitalized communities. Working at DCHA really solidified my goal of building more equitable neighborhoods. It is the end-user of the housing product that I help to create that serves as my “why” each day.

 

HAND: What might you be doing if you weren’t working in this industry?
LM: If I wasn’t working in the industry, I would be living and working on an animal sanctuary. I LOVE animals, big and small. My husband and I foster dogs through the local Humane Rescue Alliance, and it brings me so much joy. With more free time and a larger space, I would foster and rehabilitate animals full–time. The idea of an innocent animal suffering breaks my heart, so I’ll take as many animals as possible!

 

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Annual Meeting Important Information

Payments: Orders placed on the event registration page are not confirmed until payment is received. A confirmation email will be sent to the email address listed in your registration. If you paid by credit card, a receipt will be sent to the email address listed in your registration. If you mail a check, all payments must be received within seven days of completing your registration form. Checks should be remitted to: HAND, PO Box 48386, Washington, DC 20002

Guest List & Dietary Preference: If your registration includes a luncheon table or multiple guests, please submit guest names and menu choices by May 1, 2020. Submit guest names here.

Housing Expo: Plan to exhibit? Download the Housing Expo FAQs here.

Omni Shoreham Hotel Room Block: For attendees looking to secure overnight accommodations on May 25th, HAND has secured a rate starting at $189 for conference attendees. There are a limited amount of rooms available, so visit this link today to reserve your room. May 10th is the last day to secure a room at the discounted rate.

 Ad Submission: The artwork for advertisements should be submitted to annualmeeting@handhousing.org. You can download the ad spec sheet here. Deadline for ad submission is April 13, 2020.

Cancellations & Changes: If you wish to cancel or change your registration for the Annual Meeting & Housing Expo, please send a request in writing to annualmeeting@handhousing.org. All cancellation requests made prior to April 27th will receive a 50% refund. For cancellation requests made after April 27th, no refund will be provided.

Door Prizes: Are you interested in donating a door prize to this year’s Annual Meeting? Email annualmeeting@handhousing.org to coordinate with our team.

2024-2025 TRAINING  & CAPACITY
BUILDING SERIES

 

Here, you will find a diverse mix of educational and cultivation offerings designed to equip HAND members with the tools and resources needed to bring more equitable communities to fruition. Our robust Training & Capacity Building calendar is released in the fall of each year, and offers a wide variety of educational sessions, networking opportunities and more. 

Be sure to check back often for the most up-to-date information on all programs!

Interested in sponsoring one of HAND’s programs? Email Courtney at cbattle@handhousing.org.

 

Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec 

 

AUGUST 2024

CSH, Virginia Housing, Virginia Housing Alliance & HAND Hosts The Supportive Housing Institute of Virginia | Supportive Housing Budgets – Operations and Capital

Date: August 28 | 10:00am – 2:00pm | Location: Virginia Housing Innsbrokk – Richmond, VA

In this session, we will conclude our focus on budgeting topics. The session will provide an overview of the sources of capital financing, cover the entire development process, and take a deeper look at supportive housing budgets. Discussions will center around the different types of local financing options that are available for pre-development and gap financing as well as funding available for services to support supportive housing projects. Additionally, we will share tools and resources to assist you in planning your budgets effectively as a team.

 

Registration fees: This session is only open to cohort members in the Supportive Housing Institute of Virginia region.

 

 

CSH, Virginia Housing, Virginia Housing Alliance & HAND Hosts The Supportive Housing Institute of Virginia | Services Planning

Date: August 27 | 10:00am – 5:00pm | Location: Virginia Housing Innsbrook – Richmond, VA

This session will provide an introductory overview of supportive housing budgets. It will cover the various types of financing required for the construction and operation of supportive housing. Additionally, the session will discuss important considerations and priorities when budgeting for supportive housing projects, as well as provide an overview of the overall development process.

 

Registration fees: This session is only open to cohort members in the Supportive Housing Institute of Virginia region.

 

 

JULY 2024

CSH, Virginia Housing, Virginia Housing Alliance & HAND Hosts The Supportive Housing Institute of Virginia | Services Planning

Date: July 31 | 10:00am – 3:00pm | Location: Virtual Webinar

This session will provide an overview of multiple service types and invite discussion around the ins and outs of delivering services to different populations. Participants will be given guidance on minimum service standards and will work with their team to determine which model best suits each project.

 

Registration fees: This session is only open to cohort members in the Supportive Housing Institute of Virginia region.

 

 

CSH, Virginia Housing, Virginia Housing Alliance & HAND Hosts The Supportive Housing Institute of Virginia | Property Management

Date: July 30 | 10:00am – 3:00pm | Location: Virtual Webinar

In this session, participants will learn the best practice standards for providing property management services in a supportive housing community. Leading experts from across the nation will provide insight into the nuances of cross-sector coordination, eviction prevention, and unit upkeep.

 

Registration fees: This session is only open to cohort members in the Supportive Housing Institute of Virginia region.

 

 

CSH, Virginia Housing, Virginia Housing Alliance & HAND Hosts The Supportive Housing Institute of Virginia | Design

Date: July 29 | 10:00pm – 3:00pm | Location: Virtual Webinar

This session focuses on designing your project to meet quality standards and incorporate Trauma Informed Design principles. National experts will guide participants through unique design examples and considerations to better inform population specific project concepts.  We will hear from national and local architect, learn about crafting a project design that meets your project goals, and integrate accessibility and sustainability into your project concept.

 

Registration fees: This session is only open to cohort members in the Supportive Housing Institute of Virginia region.

 

 

Preservation Webinar Series | Session Two: Challenges and Opportunities for Preserving Affordability

Date: July 25 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | Location: Virtual Webinar

In an effort to alleviate the current affordable housing crisis, most communities around the country focus on increasing housing supply through new construction and zoning reform. However, ensuring that affordable homes remain available requires communities to simultaneously prioritize the preservation of existing affordable housing – particularly units under threat from obsolescence, loss of affordability, or sale. How are communities prioritizing preservation and what more can be done in our region? Join HAND and National Housing Trust in a two-part preservation series to hear government officials and affordable housing industry champions discuss how preservation can be achieved through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and how to leverage the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) and other policies to advance preservation priorities.

Affordable housing developers and lenders from the DMV will share their perspectives on the opportunities for and challenges to preservation, including the region’s QAPs. HAND members and attendees are encouraged to join this lively facilitated discussion and share their own experiences to help inform HAND’s advocacy strategy to advance preservation initiatives in the DMV through the LIHTC program and other avenues.

 

Featured Speakers

 

Meghan Altidor
Partner
Nixon Peabody LLP (Moderator)

 Shellon Fraser
Senior Director of Lending
National Housing Trust		 Caitlin Gossens
Executive Director
JPMorgan Chase Community Development Banking		 Janine Lind
President of Community Development Division
Enterprise Community Partners		  
         
   
Moha Thakur
Public Policy &
Mid-Atlantic
Initiatives Manager National Housing Trust		 Juan Pablo Vacatello
Co-Executive Director
Mi Casa		 Kerrie Wilson
Chief Executive Officer
Cornerstones		    

 

Registration Details: This event is free to current HAND Members; Non-Member Fee: $75.

 

 

 

LEAD Racial Equity Institute | Session 4

Date: July 24 | 9:00am – 1:00pm | Location: Virtual

Participants will understand the process of developing racial equity strategies, learning to articulate where they are in the process and what needs to happen to reach completion of this plan or launch a new initiative.

 

Registration fees: This event is only for the LEAD Racial Equity Institute cohort members.

 

 

 

Preservation Webinar Series | Session One: Leveraging QAPs to Preserve Affordability

Date: July 18 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | Location: Virtual Webinar

In an effort to alleviate the current affordable housing crisis, most communities around the country focus on increasing housing supply through new construction and zoning reform. However, ensuring that affordable homes remain available requires communities to simultaneously prioritize the preservation of existing affordable housing – particularly units under threat from obsolescence, loss of affordability, or sale. How are communities prioritizing preservation and what more can be done in our region? Join HAND and National Housing Trust in a two-part preservation series to hear government officials and affordable housing industry champions discuss how preservation can be achieved through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and how to leverage the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) and other policies to advance preservation priorities.

National Housing Trust will share insights from their nationwide analysis of 53 QAPs, showcasing how and where states are prioritizing preservation. With an eye towards the DMV, attendees will have an opportunity to hear directly from housing industry professionals representing Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. – each of whom are currently updating their respective QAPs – on their preservation policies and provide feedback on ways to strengthen their approaches.

 

Featured Speakers

Edward Barnett
Director of Rental Lending
Maryland DHCD		 Christopher Earley 
Deputy Director
DC DHCD

Priya Jayachandran
CEO
National Housing Trust

Jonathan Kinsey
Senior Tax Credit Allocation Officer
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
Virginia Housing

Moha Thakur
Public Policy &
Mid-Atlantic
Initiatives Manager National Housing Trust
(Moderator)

 

Registration Details: This event is free to current HAND Members; Non-Member Fee: $75.

WATCH RECORDING

 

 

CSH, Virginia Housing, Virginia Housing Alliance & HAND Hosts The Supportive Housing Institute of Virginia | Site Visit, Supportive Housing 101 & Coordinated Access

Date: July 10 | 10:00am – 2:00pm | Location: Cool Lane Apartments (1900 Cool Lane, Henrico, VA 23223)

Participants can expect to gain a thorough understanding of the core principles of supportive housing and evidence-based best practices in the field of supportive housing. Cohort members will go on a site visit to see an example of a local permanent supportive housing project, learn about the services they provide, and more.

 

Registration fees: This session is only open to cohort members in the Supportive Housing Institute of Virginia region.

 

 

CSH, Virginia Housing, Virginia Housing Alliance & HAND Hosts The Supportive Housing Institute of Virginia | Team Strategy & Project Concept

Date: July 9 | 10:00am – 4:00pm | Location: Virginia Housing (601 S. Belvidere Street Richmond, VA 23220)

During this session, cohort members will establish their team’s mission, values and project strategies.

 

Registration fees: This session is only open to cohort members in the Supportive Housing Institute of Virginia region.

 

 

CSH, Virginia Housing, Virginia Housing Alliance & HAND Hosts The Supportive Housing Institute of Virginia | Partnership & Roles

Date: July 8 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm | Location: Virginia Housing (601 S. Belvidere Street Richmond, VA 23220)

CSH, Virginia Housing, Virginia Housing Alliance, and HAND will host the in-person kick-off where teams will learn about the importance of partnerships and the valuable role each team member will play throughout the various stages of the project

 

Registration fees: This session is only open to cohort members in the Supportive Housing Institute of Virginia region.

 

 

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