New research is confirming something core to who we are at Affordable Homes & Communities: when residents have the support they need, our communities are stronger, more resilient, and more financially stable.
Two companion studies from Abt Global and Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF) examined data from hundreds of affordable housing communities across the country — including AHC. Together, the findings demonstrate that resident services are good for residents — and they’re essential to protecting public and private investment, strengthening asset performance, and ensuring long-term operational health.
“Resident services are more than a ‘nice-to-have.’ They protect families, strengthen cash flow, and secure the future of affordable housing.”
– Paul Bernard, AHC President & CEO
AHC’s 56 communities are home to 20,000 residents. Across our properties, we serve nearly 7,000 residents directly through our onsite education, health, economic mobility, and community-building programming.
Resident services drive stronger property performance
The Abt Global analysis makes the financial return clear: service-enriched properties generate 26% higher net operating income (NOI) — nearly $1,200 more per unit annually — than comparable properties without resident services.
Even more striking, every $100 per unit invested in resident services generates an estimated $259 in NOI and $397 in total revenue the following year.
This evidence reinforces AHC’s belief that housing, health, and opportunity are inseparable — and that investing in residents is also an investment in the longevity and stability of entire communities.
These trends show up clearly across AHC’s portfolio. In 2025, we maintained 95.3% average occupancy, underscoring how proactive support and stable residents directly contribute to strong operations and reduced vacancy loss.
Resident services strengthen stability and well‑being
SAHF’s analysis shows that properties with resident services experience significantly better resident outcomes. Households have 24% lower rent arrears, and eviction related moveouts are dramatically lower than national averages.
In 2025, AHC prevented more than 500 evictions and provided eviction prevention services to over 800 households.
The research shows that families living in service-enriched communities also experience better access to healthcare — 22 percentage points higher than similar low-income families nationwide — and experience reductions in food insecurity.
Through onsite AHC programming, we serve more than 16,800 residents with food assistance and nearly 2,000 residents through onsite health-related programs each year.
These outcomes matter not only for resident wellbeing — they directly influence occupancy, turnover, operating costs, and long-term stewardship of affordable housing.
Opportunity grows when residents are supported
The research also highlights significant employment gains when residents access financial and job-related services. AHC supports more than 850 residents with employment services and, in 2026, launched the ELEVATE program, offering individualized support focused on financial stability, employment, and skill development.
AHC also provides housing stability programs like the RISE program, offering rent relief and savings incentives in partnership with the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Alexandria.
When residents increase income, build savings, and reduce financial crises, properties benefit through stronger payment performance and reduced emergency interventions.
The Bottom Line: When Residents Thrive, Our Properties Thrive
AHC has long believed that housing, health, and financial stability are interconnected. This new research shows that centering resident services is mission aligned — and it’s a sound, future-focused investment in property performance and long-term portfolio health.
“These findings confirm decades of experience: when you pair affordable housing with onsite services, families don’t just survive — they thrive.”
– Susan Davidson, AHC Vice President of Resident Services
AHC is honored to be a part of this research and is committed to continue leading with innovation, partnership, and responsible investment — always with residents at the heart of everything we do.
Learn more about how AHC invests in people and homes.
2230 North Fairfax Drive
Suite 100
Arlington, VA 22201
703-486-0626
1501 Saint Paul Street
Suite 130
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-685-0366
