Looking for more memories from the night? Browse the full photo gallery.
On October 1, Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) marked its 50th anniversary with a celebration at the InterContinental in Washington, D.C. More than 300 partners, supporters, board members, and current and former staff gathered to look back on five decades of work and ahead to what comes next.
The program opened with the premiere of AHC’s history video and a welcome from Paul Bernard, AHC President & CEO, who honored the people who started AHC’s mission and the residents who remain at its center.
Keynote speaker Gregg Colburn, a University of Washington professor and co-author of Homelessness Is a Housing Problem, asked the room to picture AHC at its 100th anniversary, in a region with enough housing for everyone.
“AHC works every day to create these life-saving and life-enhancing opportunities for the households that they serve. And the greater Washington, D.C., and Baltimore metropolitan areas are better off because of it.”
– Gregg Colburn, Author and Housing Expert
Two young residents were then honored as first-place winners of AHC’s 50th anniversary youth contests, which asked participants one question: What does AHC mean to you? Ben Nichols of Harkins Builders and Victor Burrola of Wells Fargo presented the awards to Damary Granados Portillo, a sixth grader at Virginia Gardens, for her art, and Messiah Snowden, a ninth grader at Allium Place, for his video. The Host Committee also selected second- and third-place winners and Honorable Mentions in each contest:
Art Contest
- First place: Damary Granados Portillo, sixth grade, Virginia Gardens
- Second place: Summer Warren, second grade, Fort Henry
- Third place: Fernando Moreno, third grade, Harvey Hall
- Honorable mentions:
Video Contest
- First place: Messiah Snowden, ninth grade, Allium Place
- Second place: Keab Melesse, ninth grade, Allium Place
- Third place: Nolawi Mesfin, 10th grade, St. James Plaza
- Honorable mention: Dina Napper, eighth grade, Allium Place
Paul closed by asking guests to join AHC in its commitment to the next 50 years, then invited them to join him on the dance floor. The evening continued with food, photos, and live music.
“For 50 years, AHC has demonstrated what is possible when we invest in people and in the homes that support their success. But tonight is not the finish line. It’s the launch point.”
– Paul Bernard, AHC President & CEO
Event Recap Video
AHC 50th History
Moments From the Event
2230 North Fairfax Drive
Suite 100
Arlington, VA 22201
703-486-0626
1501 Saint Paul Street
Suite 130
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-685-0366
