For nearly 12 years, The Alliance for Housing Solutions has worked in northern Virginia diligently providing public education and advocacy in support of housing affordability. Primarily working in Arlington, the nonprofit collaborates with a diverse spectrum of partners ranging from nonprofit developers, housing service providers to state legislators and Arlington County officials, and has decidedly raised the profile on the “need” for more affordable housing locally and regionally.

This lean organization sponsors yearly forums and events, presents to groups, has a presence at street fairs and provides testimony in support of on-the-ground site plans and local community development policy. Recently, the group merged its own coalition building expertise with its extensive knowledge of community development and launched HousingArlington, a coalition to further the affordability conversation in the County. Backed by a high level of participation from practitioners and advocates within the developer, shelter and tenant sectors, HousingArlington has provided the framework for FY2015 budget efforts, protected endangered programs and increased the County loan fund — despite a tax rate deduction. Only through strong collaboration has any of this been possible. In addition to regular partners, County Board members and staff actively participate in HousingArlington’s regularly scheduled meetings (first Monday of the month). This type of cohesion will be even more important as Arlington’s Affordable Housing Study begins its final phase and ultimate adoption in the first six months of 2015.

AHS is strongly aware that collaboration with other groups helps it to be “mighty,” and its work with HAND is no exception.  By providing information, networking, helping to finance interns, co-sponsoring and publicizing events or simply holding those needed education seminars, HAND has been a pivotal tool in helping AHS work towards the greater good.  The group utilizes its HAND membership about “1000%” while gladly paying the humble HAND association fee.

HAND is pleased to spotlight Alliance for Housing Solutions, which certainly contributes to our organization’s COLLABORATION, INNOVATION and TRANSFORMATION within the metropolitan area!