As Community Housing Partners (CHP) celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, the organization is reflecting on the partnerships that have made its mission possible. Among CHP’s most valued collaborators is Virginia Community Development Corporation (VCDC). The two organizations have worked hand-in-hand for 30 years to create affordable homes and revitalize communities across Virginia.
Over the years, CHP and VCDC have partnered on 42 properties representing 2,130 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) units plus 50 market-rate units. This extensive partnership represents 14% of VCDC’s total portfolio of 201 properties and has brought quality, affordable homes to families and seniors in communities from the mountains to the coast, demonstrating the power of mission-aligned organizations working together toward common goals.
The partnership began with the historic Warwick Apartments in Newport News, Virginia. Originally built in 1883 as the elite Warwick Hotel—a downtown landmark that housed the county seat of government and the city’s first bank and newspaper before being destroyed by fire in 1960—the seven-story building was transformed into 88 single-room occupancy units providing affordable permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals. The $9 million rehabilitation, completed in 2012, earned the 2014 J. Timothy Anderson Award for Excellence in Historic Rehabilitation and improved the building’s energy efficiency by over 50 percent while meeting EarthCraft standards. (Learn more about the Warwick Apartments redevelopment on VCDC’s website.)
The partnership is built on shared values and complementary expertise. CHP brings decades of experience in affordable housing development, construction, property management, and resident services, while VCDC contributes deep knowledge in tax credit financing, tax credit syndication, and capital markets. Together, the organizations have navigated the complex world of affordable real estate development to create homes that truly serve their communities.
“Our partnership with VCDC has been instrumental in our ability to develop and preserve affordable communities across Virginia,” said Andy Davenport, CHP’s Vice President of Real Estate Development. “Their ability to attract investors in a wide variety of markets and their genuine commitment to community impact has enabled us to take on projects that might otherwise be financially challenging, ensuring we can serve residents who need quality housing the most.”
VCDC’s community-driven approach aligns with CHP’s mission to create homes and communities that are healthy, sustainable, and affordable. As a Virginia-based organization that has served communities since 1990, VCDC understands the unique needs and opportunities within the commonwealth’s diverse regions.
Ongoing Impact and Community Focus
Residents cut the ribbon at Wellesley Commons Apartments in 2024.
The strength of the partnership was recently demonstrated through the successful completion of major renovation projects at three CHP communities at the end of 2024. Wellesley Commons Apartments in Newport News, Holly Court Apartments in Kilmarnock, and Grayson Manor Apartments in Independence underwent comprehensive renovations totaling more than $13.7 million. These projects, supported by VCDC’s financing expertise, enhanced accessibility, sustainability, and quality of life for residents while ensuring long-term affordability. (Learn more about the completed renovations at these properties.)
These renovations exemplify how the partnership between CHP and VCDC creates lasting value beyond initial development. VCDC’s ongoing support and financial guidance help ensure that CHP communities remain viable and well-maintained throughout their operational lives, protecting both residents and investors.
Tranquility at the Lakes in Virginia Beach
This partnership focuses on community benefits in addition to financial returns. VCDC evaluates projects not just on their financial merit but on their potential to strengthen neighborhoods and create opportunities for residents. This approach has enabled CHP to develop rental communities in areas that might be overlooked by purely profit-driven investors, such as CHP’s Tranquility at the Lakes in Virginia Beach’s historic Burton Station neighborhood. Established by freed slaves over a century ago, the Burton Station community had long struggled with lack of connection to basic utilities and services. The 40-unit senior living development, completed in 2016 with $4.25 million in LIHTC equity investment from VCDC, was part of a broader revitalization effort for the neighborhood and met EarthCraft Platinum Certification standards. (Learn more about the Tranquility at the Lakes redevelopment on VCDC’s website.)
As CHP marks its 50th year, the organization recognizes that meeting Virginia’s growing housing needs will take strong partnerships like its long-standing work with VCDC. Through VCDC’s comprehensive development support—from feasibility studies to construction guidance—the partnership has enabled both organizations to support projects and communities in ways that would not have been possible on their own, ensuring developments are both financially sound and community focused. (Learn more about CHP’s 50th anniversary.)
Founded in 1975, Community Housing Partners (CHP) provides quality-built, responsibly managed, service-enriched homes for low-income individuals and families across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Through its mission to create homes and communities that are healthy, sustainable, and affordable, CHP has been a leading advocate of affordable housing development for 50 years. CHP’s activities include real estate development, construction, energy services and training, asset management, property management, realty and homeownership, and comprehensive resident services.