2024 CAHEC Partners Conference

We were thrilled to welcome over 515 attendees from 29 states to Raleigh, NC, for our 21st Annual CAHEC Partners Conference! Held on June 4-5 at the Raleigh Convention Center, the event featured an exciting lineup of sessions, inspiring speakers, and ample networking opportunities.

A standout moment of the conference was Tuesday evening’s welcome reception at Market Hall, where attendees embraced the Olympic theme by arriving in their best athletic gear. From groups dressed as athletes from their favorite sports to those representing the Olympic rings and national colors, the participation was fantastic!

On Tuesday, June 4, CAHEC hosted the annual CAHEC Awards ceremony as part of the Partners Appreciation Luncheon. A special thank you to Truist for being our sponsor of the event! Each year, we are privileged to recognize individuals and organizations for their significant contribution to the affordable housing industry.

CAHEC is pleased to share the recipients of the 2024 CAHEC Awards:

Development of the Year: Charleston Square Apartments; Troy, Alabama
CAHEC Values Award: Shannon Pow; Remnant Management, Inc.
Outstanding Community Impact: Intergenerational Center for Arts and Wellness; Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Resident of the Year: Tina Rice; Northpoint Commons II; Asheville, North Carolina

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the 91 sponsors who made the 2024 CAHEC Partners Conference possible. Your generous support ensures we can continue offering this valuable event at no cost to attendees.

If you missed any part of the conference this year, or want to relive the festivities, please visit our Facebook page to view each of the pictures from the event.

CAHEC Awards 4

PC - General 5

Olympics Party 1

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Olympics Party 7

PC - General 1

Miss the 2024 event? Check out the highlights below!

Resident Spotlight: Meet Donnie Flowers

If you’re a resident of Arbor Glen Apartments in Lenoir, NC, there’s a high likelihood that you know Donnie Flowers. He’s the neighbor who always walks around and picks up trash, pulls random weeds out of the flower bed, and makes the best cakes for the community potluck. There’s usually not a function that Donnie’s not attending, and he’s always first in line to lend a helping hand.

“I try to keep my day open in case my neighbors need me,” explained Donnie. “I don’t mind running errands for people who may not be able to drive, and I enjoy taking people where they need to go. Whether they need a ride to the doctor or the grocery store, I’m happy to help.” His giving spirit is something he prides himself on, sharing that he has always wanted to have a positive impact on people’s lives. “It makes me feel good to help others. When I lay down at night to go to sleep, I sleep well knowing that I did my best that day.”

Donnie has lived at Arbor Glen for 2 years, and around the same time he moved in, his kidneys began to not function properly. Since his diagnosis, he’s been on dialysis three times a week. In true Donnie fashion, this obstacle did not deter him from his giving ways. “He doesn’t let anything slow him down,” shared Keila Keller, site manager for Arbor Glen. “He’s always positive, enjoys the camaraderie with his neighbors, and really is a light on our property.”

Prior to moving to Arbor Glen, Donnie lived with his mother and was a chef before he retired. “Donnie loves to cook, and he is always inviting people over to eat dinner with him,” Keila explained. “For our resident events, he’s there helping to set up, brings food to the table, and stays after to help clean. He’s such a wonderful person!”

Donnie shared that finding Arbor Glen really made him feel at home. “I love having people close by, it makes it not so lonely. I think that’s why I enjoy helping everyone, I know that there will be a time that I may need something, and I know they’ll be there to help me, too.”

Thank you, Donnie, for all you do to help your neighbors, and for letting us share your story!

Vickers Parke II

Vickers Parke II is an affordable housing community built in 1980 that underwent extensive renovations for the property's rehabilitation. Comprised of forty units spread across three residential buildings and one community office, Vickers Parke II offers a diverse range of living spaces tailored to households earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). To preserve the property, upgrades were made throughout the community including new appliances in all units, enhanced landscaping, and an updated playground. Residents of Vickers Parke II have access to on-site management and a laundry facility; both within the community building, which was also upgraded. Site Manager, Christi Clendenin, stated, "Vickers Parke II Apartments is more than just a place to live—it's a cornerstone of our community, offering a safe and welcoming home to families and individuals who might otherwise struggle to find affordable housing. Nestled close to town, Vickers Parke II ensures that its residents can easily access schools, jobs, and local amenities, helping them to stay connected and supported within the community. This complex is a testament to our shared values of compassion and equity, providing shelter and a safe place where people can build better lives and feel a true sense of belonging. In a world where affordable housing is increasingly hard to find, Vickers Parke II Apartments is a beacon of hope, ensuring that everyone can be a part of our vibrant community."

Stockton Pointe

Comprised of sixty units spread across three, three-story residential buildings and one community hub, Stockton Pointe offers a diverse mix of living spaces tailored to households earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). With fifteen units specifically allocated for those earning below 50% AMI, Stockton Pointe is a testament to inclusivity and accessibility in housing. Located on a picturesque 5.0-acre site, Stockton Pointe is positioned to serve the local community's needs. Each unit has modern amenities, from kitchen appliances to walk-in closets, ensuring residents experience comfort and convenience in every aspect of their daily lives. The community building at Stockton Pointe is a focal point for social interaction and supportive services for residents. This property will give local families access to high-quality, affordable housing for many years.

A Message From Our President & CEO

“Move yourself where the puck is going to be and not where it is now.” - Wayne Gretsky, NHL legend

Each fall we prepare budgets and goals, forecast headwinds, and evaluate our presence within the marketplace. We meticulously undertake this drill, only to repeat it one year later. While the exercise is commonplace, it has the risk of overshadowing one’s vision, purpose, and competitive advantage. It’s these latter points – where the puck is going – that allows one to persevere in the face of resistance.

This dynamic is tested everyday within the affordable housing industry. CAHEC and (many of) its peers have operated in this space for nearly 40 years and that duration has created a service/product which is fairly commoditized. While organizations may differ in geography, volume, and offerings, it’s those intrinsic characteristics which are essential to defining ones culture, values, and attraction. Without that vision, it’s simply a game of math, timing, and luck.

CAHEC’s consolidated vision is to be the premier community investment organization in the South. Our core businesses – syndications (equity and debt), property management, general partnerships, and preservation – are driven by our values of integrity, excellence, innovation, and fun. We offer an array of programs which further the objectives of our stakeholders, hedges our revenue, and creates a sustainable organization. While we’re far from perfect, the performance and impact of our businesses have been exemplary. Our targeted growth, exceptional service, and commitment to innovation has been a hallmark of our success.

CAHEC’s forward thinking also includes our voluntary commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG). In our recently published Impact Report, CAHEC shared its commitment to aligning with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) standards. We selected these frameworks based on relevance to our business and expressed importance from our stakeholders. While social and governance have long been woven into our values and practices, environmental requires heightened creativity and collaboration with our external partners.

Ones vision – whether short or long term – should be driven by values and culture and not the self fulfilling need for headlines or accolades. It’s only then that one can best appreciate their accomplishments. As shared by Hall of Fame and past UNC Coach Dean Smith, “Never be proud of doing the right thing. Just do the right thing.”

We hope you find this report informative and impactful, and I wish you the best in 2025!

Sincerely,

Dana Boole
President & CEO