Program Highlight - HNDSC
In June, LISC’s Hartford Neighborhood Development Support Collaborative (HNDSC) convened at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving (HFPG). Northside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance (NINA), Mutual Housing Association of Greater Hartford (MHAGH), Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance (SINA), and Sheldon Oak Central (SOC) presented new five -year neighborhood plans to guide development in the Asylum Hill, Frog Hollow, and Northeast neighborhoods to more than 30 funders, including government, philanthropy, financial institutions, CDFIs, and anchor institutions.
Additionally, HFPG, the Connecticut Department of Housing, and the Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development presented about programs and resources currently available that can support the exciting work taking place in the city.
LISC Connecticut interviewed two CDC Executive Directors,.Catherine T. MacKinnon of Mutual Housing Association of Greater Hartford Inc. and Emily Wolfe of Sheldon Oak.
How does this initiative help the city of Hartford?
Catherine: HNDSC provides a more stable source of revenue to our organization, which lets us invest in our team. Having a more stable organization means we can be a stabilizing influence on the neighborhoods we serve. It gives us the financial resources to look at more comprehensive neighborhood development. The lead time to bring a project to construction closing can be four to five years. This is especially true when trying to buy multiple small buildings from multiple owners. The HNDSC funds help us smooth out the revenue stream between developer fees. It allows us to offer services where we can't always charge a fee, such as one-on-one financial counseling or eviction prevention.
Emily: The Hartford Development Support Collaborative provides very important support for nonprofits like Sheldon Oak Central that acquire, redevelop and operate rental housing to provide stable, attractive and affordable homes to families and seniors. The support of the Collaborative helps stabilize neighborhoods and encourages other property owners to maintain and invest in their properties. The annual financial support of the Collaborative is essential because it allows us to focus on projects that can take several years from planning to completion and supports our ability to do neighborhood planning that includes residents and stakeholders and makes a lasting impact.
Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of? Why?
Catherine: I'm most proud of our work in Frog Hollow. We have been engaged in this neighborhood for 35 years and I believe we have had a significant positive impact. By expanding to properties that abut existing developments, we have increased neighborhood stability and reaffirmed our commitment to our residents.
Emily: With the support of the Collaborative, Sheldon Oak’s developments been transformational, particularly in the Sheldon/Charter Oak Neighborhood where we are capping off almost two decades and $90 million of re-development with MLK Apartments, a 155-unit, 7-acre new construction housing complex that will begin construction in late 2023. MLK will offer a mix of housing types, including large townhouse-style family units and handicapped accessible apartments in an elevator building that will allow long time elderly residents to age in place.
“We have residents who have gone into the housing industry because of their experience. One became and executive director of a housing authority, another went to work for HUD.”
What do you think other people should know about this organization/program/initiative?
Catherine: MHAGH goes well beyond the bricks and mortar to create real communities. We have residents who have gone into the housing industry because of their experience. One became and executive director of a housing authority, another went to work for HUD. We have residents who were able to stay in school and earn advanced degrees because they had an affordable rent.
- Affordable housing is beautiful and can increase surrounding property values.
- Affordable housing pays taxes (we pay about $800,000 per year just in Frog Hollow)
- Non-profits such as MHAGH take on projects that the private market won't address because it's not profitable.
- There is no ideal housing type. People have such varied needs, and we try to meet them where they are. This might mean workforce housing, supportive housing, senior housing or a path to homeownership.
Emily: Sheldon Oak Central focuses on the development and operation of rental housing that is modern, attractive, affordable and well-managed. This is crucial for healthy neighborhoods where people want to live, work and play.