Our History

Founded in 1975 as the Arlington Housing Corporation, AHC began as a grassroots response to rising housing costs. Now known as Affordable Homes & Communities, we’ve grown into the region’s largest and oldest affordable housing developers — owning and managing 56 properties and 8,800+ homes across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., and providing holistic services for residents.

A diverse group of people smiles at a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside a building entrance, celebrating Affordable Homes & Communities History, with green and yellow balloons in the background. A woman in front holds the large green ribbon as others gather around her.

Five adults stand close together, smiling in front of a pale house door decorated with blue and white ribbon. Dressed in coats and jackets, they celebrate Affordable Homes & Communities History in a friendly and festive mood.

1975

AHC founded in Arlington, Virginia, as Arlington Housing Corporation. Originally focused on home improvement for low- and moderate-income homeowners.

Black and white photo of a three-story brick apartment building with balconies, reflecting the history of affordable homes. Surrounded by trees, the building has empty parking spaces in front and to the side.

1980

AHC purchases first affordable rental community — Arlington View Terrace, now known as The Terraces at Arlington View East and West.

A group of four adults and six children stand together outside on green grass, smiling at the camera. The adults are behind the children, with an apartment building—a nod to Affordable Homes & Communities History—visible in the background.

1993

Resident Services program founded as a pathway to better futures for our residents.

1998

Arlington Housing Corporation becomes AHC Inc. to allow for expansion outside of Arlington.

Six children wearing green matching t-shirts stand together and smile in front of a large spiky plant, with a garden and a building—reflecting Affordable Homes & Communities History—visible in the background.

1999

Summer Camp program begins.

Six people stand smiling in front of Greenspring Community Center, a brick building with large windows. The diverse group, wearing casual and work uniforms, highlights the spirit of Affordable Homes & Communities History on a sunny day.

2001

First property acquired in Maryland — Greenspring Overlook in Baltimore City.

A large, beige, three-story brick building with tall windows and decorative architectural details stands on a city street under a clear blue sky, reflecting the community’s history of affordable homes. Several cars are parked along the sidewalk.

2004

AHC Greater Baltimore opens.

A green and white sign reading Lansdowne Apartments, 410.247.4111 stands at the entrance of this affordable homes community with brown brick buildings, cars parked, trees, and a well-kept lawn.

2005

First Baltimore County property acquired — Lansdowne Garden Apartments.

Three-story apartment buildings with brick and light-colored exteriors reflect the areas communities history, featuring small front porches, white picket fences, red-leaved trees, and green lawns under a clear sky. Tree branches frame the top of the image.

2006

First Fairfax County property acquired — Hollybrooke.

Modern three-story apartment building with beige siding and red brick accents, set amid green lawns and trees under a clear blue sky—a shining example of affordable homes blending seamlessly into the community’s rich history.

2009

First Montgomery County property acquired — Ashmore at Germantown.

A group of people in suits and coats wearing white hard hats stand in front of a backhoe, smiling and holding shovels with dirt, celebrating the groundbreaking of Affordable Homes & Communities—a new chapter in history—outdoors.

2014

First project in Alexandria, Virginia, breaks ground — Jackson Crossing.

First Washington, D.C., partnership established.

A group of diverse graduates stand indoors, smiling and tossing blue caps into the air in celebration. A banner in the background reads, “Congratulations AHOC Graduates,” honoring Affordable Homes & Communities History.

2016

AHC launches College and Career Readiness program to help support young scholars in our communities.

AHC celebrates its 40th Anniversary.

Large outdoor swimming pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by a multi-story apartment building that reflects the rich history of affordable homes & communities, featuring balconies, brick columns, and a central pavilion under a blue sky.

2022

First Prince George’s County, Maryland, property acquired — Haven Largo.

2023

AHC rebrands as Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) and renews its mission, vision, and values.

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Two women smiling outdoors, one older with gray hair in a striped shirt and one younger with long dark hair in a blue top. A newspaper and chat icon are at the bottom right of the image.