2020 Challenges Become Opportunities
2020 proved to be the most challenging year in a generation for FCHC, its residents, and the City of Falls Church as a whole. The global pandemic caused us all to reassess and protect that which matters most: the health and wellbeing of the vulnerable residents of our affordable housing communities, the desire to uphold those values we hold dear, and a recommitment to better serve the housing distressed of Falls Church and the greater Washington metropolitan area.
Richard F. Burns
Thomas G. Vaccaro
In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic tested all staff and residents at Winter Hill. As the virus primarily targeted older adults and those with preexisting medical conditions, FCHC’s senior residents found themselves suddenly susceptible and isolated. FCHC was determined to assist residents in every possible way, with our staff and Resident Services Coordinator (RSC) devising entirely new safety protocols and standards while providing vital services. As the world quickly transitioned to working from home, so too did our service personnel. Our dedicated staff provided essential services such as daily phone and video check-ins, food and supply distribution, medical and mental health referrals, and help accessing state and federal stimulus and other benefit programs all while transitioning to working entirely from home. FCHC’s overriding concern in 2020 was to protect residents during this unprecedented period and with the support of our committed RSC and property staff, we achieved that goal and then some. The FCHC team rolled up its collective sleeves to offer on-site services that were entirely focused on alleviating the effects the Covid-19 pandemic. However, social events and celebrations, when possible at the beginning of the year, provided invaluable social interaction for residents. January’s Lunar New Year celebration started the year off with a bang, while yoga classes offered substantial health benefits in addition to being a much-loved group activity. 2020 was also an important year for our residents’ civic duties, with both elections and the 2020 Census taking place. Winter Hill’s RSC diligently assisted residents in their efforts to complete the Census and register to vote, fulfilling important responsibilities to the City of Falls Church. Per our expanded mission statement, FCHC’s role as a key financing partner in supporting the creation and preservation of the region’s affordable housing continued to grow. More than $1.5 million was loaned in 2020 to affordable housing developments bringing approximately $40,000 in interest back to FCHC from these impact investments. Over the lifetime of our affordable housing investment activities, FCHC has now played a major role in the construction of 814 rental units at six properties in the District of Columbia and Maryland. Finally, in this most difficult of years, we cannot stress enough how thankful we are for the valuable support of Winter Hill’s RSC, Dong Bui, plus volunteers, and organizations that support our efforts via financial and in-kind service contributions and most importantly you, our members. Your support is what sustains our efforts and will allow us to achieve even more in the future.
Richard F. Burns President, FCHC
Thomas G. Vaccaro
Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer, FCHC
FCHC | Fiscal Year 2020 Annual Report
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