Historic Mayfair Mansions will undergo redevelopment to include affordable rental and homeownership opportunities. In November, co-developers Marshall Heights Community Development Organization (MHCDO) and the Community Preservation Development Corporation (CPDC), in partnership with the Mayfair Mansions 2005 Tenant Association, broke ground at this historic garden-style complex.

This unique availability was made possible by a first of its kind allowance by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The DC Department of Housing and Community Development has committed $24 million in support of the project: the largest amount of funding provided for a single project. In addition, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has committed $115,000 in pre-development support for this project.

Among those celebrating the ground-breaking were (from left to right) Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Shirley Lawson, President of the Mayfair Mansions 2005 Tenant Association, Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray, Mayor Adrian Fenty, and Michael I. Watts, Jr., President and CEO of MHCDO.

This 569-unit complex is listed on the DC Inventory of Historic Sites and the National Register for Historic Sites. Mayfair Mansions was designed by noted African American architect Albert I. Cassell and was home to the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. "This opportunity that has been afforded to residents of Ward 7 is both monumental and historic. MHCDO is proud to partner in an effort to bring affordable housing east of the Anacostia River to residents who have lived here and worshiped here for over 30 years." stated Michael I. Watts, Jr., President and CEO of MHCDO.

Wheeler Terrace Goes Green

Wheeler Terrace community in SE Washington, DC may soon become an early prototype for Green Affordable Housing in the District of Columbia. Over the years, residents successfully formed the Wheeler Terrace Tenants Association with the help of Housing Counseling Services. The Tenants Association, in conjunction with Community Preservation and Development Corporation (CPDC), has taken on the challenge of making Wheeler Terrace Apartments both "green and affordable." The Green renovation calls for upgraded infrastructure, a new energy-efficient roof and energy-efficient appliances.

Housing Counseling Services, dedicated to the goal of building sustainable communities through informed housing consumers, has played a large role in the success ot the Tenants Association. Garlenda Joyner, the president of the Tenants Association says, "Housing Counseling Services has been more than satisfactory; they have been the major motivational force behind our Tenants Association."

The Tenants Association of the Wheeler Terrace community chose CPDC to help with the purchase and renovation of the property. "We are lucky to get this opportunity," said Paula Damille, a resident at Wheeler Terrace.

The green renovations will lower water and energy costs, reduce environmental impact, and improve quality of life for all residents. The Association looks forward to the transformation of this property into a positive public image and to setting an example of Green building for area communities and citizens.

Getting the Party Started: ONE DC Unveils Its First Annual Report

ONE DC recently published its first annual report, titled "Celebrating People Power." Executive Director Dominc T. Moulden explains, "We wanted the tone to be festive and different, unlike so many staid annual reports. We wanted to emphasize that while making change is hard work, it's also fun and cause for celebration."

The mission of ONE DC (formerly Manna CDC) is to create and preserve racial and economic equity through community organizing that prioritizes the immediate needs and life experiences of DC residents. The primary organizing areas are One Right to Housing; One Right to Land; and One Right to Income. In DC's current landscape, affordable housing and living-wage jobs are hard-won victories. Moulden writes in the executive message of the annual report: "As much as we mourn the ongoing displacement and disenfranchisement of long-time, low-income DC residents, we maintain that despair is unsustainable."

Toward that end, the annual report celebrates the organization's accomplishments to date-including a press conference announcing ONE DC's Parcel 42 victory (pictured above). Pat Penny, a ONE DC leader for the Parcel 42 Campaign (left) and Mayor Adrian Fenty (right) were among those celebrating the victory. Parcel 42 is a vacant piece of city property that will become the site of over 100 units of affordable rental housing, a community center, and discounted retail space for local businesses: all with community ownership.

Residents of a current Mi Casa project, The Claiborne, located at 3033 16th Street NW, are working along side Mi Casa to secure permanent financing and to finalize their development plan.

To commemorate this tremendous milestone, Mi Casa will sponsor several events and celebration activities throughout 2008.

Look for announcements in future 2008 Newsbriefs as Mi Casa continues to make homeownership a reality for those who would not otherwise realize this dream. Mi Casa, with the help of generous supporters and partners, continues efforts to change lives in the District one homeowner at a time.

SOME Receives Subsidy Contract for Barnaby House

So Others Might Eat (SOME) recently became one of the first organizations to sign a contract with the DC Housing Authority for the Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP). The LRSP Long Term Subsidy Contract for Barnaby House, a 10-unit building for extremely low-income families, was executed by SOME and the DC Housing Authority in December of 2007.

The monthly subsidies will allow SOME to cover the operating costs for the project while only charging the tenants 30% of their income for rent. SOME hopes to execute a similar contract for the 12 family units at Zagami House. Once renovated, this facility will provide two- and three-bedroom apartments for an additional 12 formerly homeless families.

Fr. John, President of SOME signing the contract with Michael Kelly, the Executive Director of the District of Columbia Housing Authority.

Calling all Volunteers: Celebrate Affordable Housing with Manna

Manna invites all runners, walkers, kids, dogs, strollers, and volunteers to celebrate 25 years of building affordable housing at the 10th Annual 5K Fun Run/Walk, on Saturday, April 12. The event will take place in beautiful Rock Creek Park.

This annual event is a great opportunity to enjoy some fresh air and exercise, and help support Manna's efforts to preserve affordable housing in the District. Top finishers will each receive prizes donated by local businesses. The competition will continue after the race, as kids of all ages gather to participate in the popular post-race games, including a 3-legged race, a potato-sack race and a hula hoop competition!

Manna invites everyone to help make this year's Fun Run another huge success! For information and registration please visit www.mannadc.org, or contact Jennifer McAllister at 202-832-1845 ext. 224.

© 2008 NEWSBRIEFS is a bimonthly publication of the Community Development Support Collaborative (CDSC), www.cdsc.org, a project of Washington Grantmakers. CDSC invests in the revitalization of DC's neighborhoods and the preservation of affordable housing with capacity building grants, training, and technical assistance. CDSC | 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20006 phone: 202.296.4582 | fax: 202.785.4331 | e-mail: info@cdsc.org