HACE’s primary objective is to ensure economic empowerment for its constituents and residents of its affordable housing developments. HACE is committed to helping people of all ages, incomes and life circumstances reach their full potential. We develop and maintain affordable housing, support businesses and provide Support Service programs toward the goal of economic empowerment for the community.

Support Services are a critical component of community development, as it is these services that enable families and individuals to function as committed and productive members of the community, capable of stabilizing and maintaining their neighborhood(s) to ensure a quality environment in which to live and raise a family. HACE’s Support Services program seeks to improve the quality of life of each constituent and resident. Support Service initiatives are a key component of HACE’s affordable housing developments. The founding of HACE Management Company (HMC) in 1997 was also a critical component in effectively implementing these initiatives, as HMC provides a direct link between the CDC, the Support Services staff and the residents. HACE Management Company which is responsible for managing all of HACE’s housing units aids in maintaining direct and open lines of communication with residents, enabling the overall organization to better determine and meet resident needs.

HACE’s Resident Services staff is available daily to assist residents on an as needed basis. In addition, volunteers are recruited to assist the Resident Services staff in effectively implementing many of the programs that are offered. Residents are provided with on site Support Services programs and links to other services in the community. Informative lectures are scheduled regularly and address topics of concern and interest to residents and the community at large (refer to list of Lectures). Ongoing programs include a Women’s Support Group, Resident Council, and Town Watch programs. Holiday events, back to school events and special adult and youth forums are also offered. Annually, from July to September the Villas Del Caribe Summer Program is open to resident youth. The program provides cultural enrichment, social interaction, recreation and educational programs. It is designed to enhance the overall well being and quality of life of the participating youth. The impact of this program helps to counter less positive influences and enticements common in many urban communities. During the school semester the Villas Del Caribe After School Program replaces the Summer Program for resident youth. Each of our programs is designed to encourage and foster self-sufficiency in a supportive atmosphere.

Another component of the Support Services program is Housing Counseling. Since 1991, HACE’s Housing Counseling Program has provided counseling assistance to the at-large community and to residents and tenants of HACE’s housing developments, towards achieving the goal of homeownership. To date, HACE’s Housing Counseling Program has helped nearly 2000 first time homebuyers, tenants and homeowners, citywide, to resolve their housing problems. The Housing Counseling office is housed within the Villas Del Caribe development and is easily accessible to community residents and. Housing Counselors are available to meet with residents, by appointment, during normal business hours. Housing Counseling presentations have also been held in the community room of Villas Del Caribe. The presentations provide residents of HACE’s affordable housing developments as well as the community at large with an overview of home-ownership, budgeting, credit repair and lender pre-qualifications for mortgages. Other services offered through the Housing Counseling Program include: Home-buying Counseling, Mortgage Default and Delinquency Tenant Counseling, and Housing Consumer Education.

HACE maintains open lines of communication with other community agencies and organizations, sharing information, facilities and resources necessary to foster the enrichment of each resident.

Services, lectures and workshops that have been provided to residents include:

Lectures:

• Community Legal Services - lectures on Welfare Reform, recent changes and regulations with Public Assistance benefits and the appeals process.
• Philadelphia Gas Works - presentation on LIHEAP Energy Assistance Grants, qualification requirements and how to reduce expenses related to gas bills.
• Congreso De Latinos Unidos - over-view of their services and workshops on domestic violence.
• Parents Involved Network of Pennsylvania presentation on their services relative to working with the Philadelphia School District and parents, in addition to providing an over-view on mental health issues as they relate to children.
• National Kidney Foundation for Kidney Disease, Hypertension, and Diabetes held health screenings.
• HACE's Housing Counseling Dept. presented an over-view of homeownership, budgeting, credit reports, and lenders pre-qualifications for mortgage products.

Ongoing Support Services provided include:

• Advocating on behalf of residents when referring them to community, public, and private agencies for services.
• Providing programs for resident youth (i.e. summer day camp and after-school programs).
• Providing social activities for HACE residents (Christmas dinner, Thanksgiving dinner, Back to School events and field trips).
• Hosting a women’s support group to provide emotional, educational, and parental support. This group also provides lectures and workshops on parenting skills and establishing career goals.
• Assisting the residents in establishing and maintaining a Town Watch Program
• Assisting the residents in developing and maintaining a Resident Council
• Assisting the residents in establishing and maintaining a Cleaning Committee to maintain the neighborhood community playground.
• Developing and implementing a Youth Development Program to encourage youth participation in the community.
• Developing individual work plans and preparing families for the transition from welfare to work
• Conducting Social Work Assessments on all residents of the property to determine individual/family needs.
• Promoting opportunities for residents to participate in volunteer efforts.
• Referring residents to job announcements advertised by community agencies.
• Providing information on job readiness and resume assistance.