Better Housing Coalition
Better Housing Coalition is a Richmond, Virginia-based nonprofit community development corporation founded in 1988 that develops, owns, and operates 15 multi-family rental communities with 1,500 units and 200 single-family homes for working families, seniors aged 55+, first-time homebuyers, and youth aging out of foster care across the Greater Richmond and Petersburg regions.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1988
- HeadquartersRichmond, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Better Housing Coalition does
Better Housing Coalition (BHC) is a Richmond, Virginia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit community development corporation founded in 1988 by Mary Tyler McClenahan and Carter McDowell. The organization develops, owns, and operates affordable housing across the Greater Richmond and Petersburg regions — comprising 15 multi-family rental communities with approximately 1,500 rental units and 200 single-family homes built or renovated and sold to first-time homebuyers. Its underlying technical model combines green building practices (Energy Star appliances, low-VOC finishes, drought-resistant landscaping, cement-board siding) with Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) financing expertise and mixed-income, mixed-use development to deliver affordable housing within revitalizing neighborhoods.
BHC serves four primary resident segments: working families (rental and homeownership pathways), seniors aged 55 and 62+ (eight dedicated communities), first-time homebuyers (through the Homebuyer's Club and homes priced $165,000 to mid-$300s for households earning up to 150% AMI), and youth ages 18-25 aging out of foster care via the My Path Forward program. Operations span resident leasing and a wholly-owned property management subsidiary, BHC Management Company (BHCM, formed 1998), which manages the full 1,500-unit portfolio plus additional properties. Resident Support Services — including educational enrichment for youth, career and financial development for adults, and health/wellness programming for seniors, supported by named coordinators and a Founders' Scholarship Fund — are integrated into every community.
The revenue model blends recurring rental income (units priced $695-$1,600/month depending on size and property), property management fees, one-time single-family home sales, and philanthropic contributions including LIHTC equity, HUD grants, corporate giving (notably a $3 million Altria Group grant in 2021), and foundation support. Government partnerships with HUD, VHDA, City of Richmond, Chesterfield County, Henrico County, and DHCD underpin project financing, while financial and nonprofit partnerships with LISC, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Capital One, Bon Secours, and Children's Home Society of Virginia extend mission delivery. The organization is led by President & CEO Greta J. Harris (since August 2013) and operates from its Laburnum Avenue headquarters in Richmond.
Better Housing Coalition firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Better Housing Coalition
- Legal name
- Better Housing Coalition
- Website
- https://betterhousingcoalition.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1988
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Better Housing Coalition is a Richmond, Virginia-based nonprofit community development corporation founded in 1988 that develops, owns, and operates 15 multi-family rental communities with 1,500 units and 200 single-family homes for working families, seniors aged 55+, first-time homebuyers, and youth aging out of foster care across the Greater Richmond and Petersburg regions.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Better Housing Coalition industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Affordable Housing Development and Property Management
- NAICS
- New Multifamily Housing Construction (except For-Sale Builders) (236116), New Housing For-Sale Builders (236117), Other Community Housing Services (624229)
- SIC
- General Bldg Contractors - Residential Bldgs (1520), Lessors Of Real Property, Nec (6519), Land Subdividers & Developers (No Cemeteries) (6552)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Residential Affordable Housing Development & Construction (IMAFABAI), Affordable/Subsidized Independent Living (HUD/LIHTC) Communities (HLADAAAB), Community Development & Neighborhood Revitalization Housing Programs (FSALAKAO)
Keywords
Where Better Housing Coalition is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Richmond
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Better Housing Coalition business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Rental Revenue: BHC generates revenue through rental income from 15 multi-family communities with 1,500 rental units. Many units are priced affordably using Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) financing, with income-based pricing for qualifying residents. Properties include family apartments, senior communities, and market-rate units in mixed-income developments.
- Property Management Services: BHC Management Company (BHCM) provides comprehensive residential and commercial property management services to property owners across the Greater Richmond region, managing 1,500 units with focus on subsidized and LIHTC properties, market-rate properties, and workforce housing.
- Single-Family Home Sales: BHC develops and sells new or renovated single-family homes to first-time homebuyers. Homes are sold at prices within affordable ranges ($165,000 to mid-$300s) to qualifying buyers with household incomes typically below $50,000.
- Philanthropic Contributions: BHC receives donations and grants to fund resident support services and affordable housing development, including a $3 million grant from Altria Group for advancing racial equity through affordable housing production.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Rental units ranging from studios to 4-bedroom apartments |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Single-family homes for first-time homebuyers |
| Subscription | Monthly | Senior community apartments for residents 55+ or 62+ |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels9 records
Better Housing Coalition product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Better Housing Coalition is a nonprofit community development corporation that develops, owns, and operates affordable multifamily rental communities, senior housing, and for-sale single-family homes in the Greater Richmond and Petersburg regions. It also provides property management services through its subsidiary BHC Management Company and free resident support programs covering youth enrichment, career development, financial literacy, and senior wellness.
Product overview
Better Housing Coalition offers a portfolio of 15 multi-family rental communities with approximately 1,500 rental units across the Greater Richmond and Petersburg regions. The portfolio includes general rental communities (Beckstoffer's Mill Lofts, Brightwood, Cary West, Horner Run, Jefferson Mews, Lincoln Mews, North Oak, The Goodwyn at Union Hill, The Planet Apartments, Winchester Forest, Winchester Greens), eight senior communities (Carter Woods, Claiborne Square, Market Square, Market Village, Market Woods, Monarch Woods, Randolph Place, Rockwood Village, Somanath Senior Apartments), and single-family homes for first-time homebuyers. Operations are supported by BHC Management Company for property management, while educational programs include the Homebuyer's Club, Founders' Scholarship Fund, and Resident Support Services. Special programs address youth aging out of foster care (My Path Forward) and community engagement (Gingerbread House Challenge, Annual Non-Event Gala).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Beckstoffer's Mill Loft Apartments Loft apartments in Church Hill with one-bedroom units, Energy Star appliances, washer/dryer included, secured access, and off-street parking, with income restrictions applying.
- Brightwood Apartments Income-based 104-unit multi-family development in South Richmond offering one, two, or three-bedroom affordable apartments for income-qualified households.
- Cary West Affordable townhouse and garden-style apartment community in Richmond's Fan District offering one, two, and three-bedroom units near local shops and restaurants.
- Horner Run Modern affordable apartment community in Midlothian, Chesterfield County offering newly built rental units for income-qualified households.
- Jefferson Mews Mixed-income rental community in Church Hill offering one-bedroom apartments, one-to-three-bedroom townhomes, and three-to-four-bedroom houses for income-qualified and market-rate residents.
- Lincoln Mews Apartment community in historic North Richmond with one-to-four-bedroom units, energy-efficient appliances, hardwood floors, a community center with resident services coordinator, playground, and ample parking.
- North Oak One and two-bedroom homes near Richmond's Ginter Park neighborhood featuring updated kitchens, high-efficiency air conditioners, and free gas, heat, and hot water.
- The Goodwyn at Union Hill 52-unit affordable housing development in Union Hill/Church Hill featuring granite countertops, microwaves, and washer/dryer in all units across five separate buildings for working families.
- The Planet Apartments Newly built affordable apartments in Jackson Ward with one-to-three-bedroom layouts, kitchen appliances, washer/dryer hookups, a rooftop garden/deck, and first-floor patios, near I-95 and GRTC Pulse bus stops.
- Winchester Forest New construction 160-unit affordable multi-family development in North Chesterfield on 13 acres adjacent to Winchester Greens, near Rt. 1 and GRTC bus line, in the Chesterfield County school system.
- Winchester Greens Award-winning garden and townhouse apartment community in Chesterfield County with two and three-bedroom options, fitness center, swimming pool, playgrounds, and an on-site child care center.
- Carter Woods Senior community in Eastern Henrico for individuals 62+ offering one and two-bedroom barrier-free apartments with elevators, community rooms, library, exercise room, and resident services coordinator.
- Claiborne Square Senior community in historic Petersburg for renters 55+ offering one and two-bedroom apartments and cottages with Energy Star appliances and electronic building access.
- Market Square 55+ senior community in North Chesterfield on Winchester Greens campus with one and two-bedroom apartments, community rooms, lounges with fireplaces, and outdoor sitting areas.
- Market Village 55+ senior community on the Winchester Greens campus offering one and two-bedroom apartments and cottages with shared community amenities for aging-in-place residents.
- Market Woods Newest BHC senior community on the Winchester Greens campus in North Chesterfield, offering 55+ residents one and two-bedroom apartments along a bus line.
- Monarch Woods Senior community on Jahnke Road in South Richmond for residents 62+ with barrier-free one-bedroom homes, fully equipped kitchens, and emergency pull-cords.
- Randolph Place One-bedroom senior community in the historic Randolph neighborhood featuring modern kitchens, Energy Star appliances, elevator access, and electronic access control for older adults seeking downtown housing.
- Rockwood Village Senior community in Chesterfield County for individuals 62+ with barrier-free one-bedroom homes, community spaces including libraries and lounges, and elevator access.
- Somanath Senior Apartments Senior community at Beckstoffer's in Church Hill for adults 55+ with one and two-bedroom apartments and cottages featuring Energy Star appliances, a rooftop terrace, and a community room.
- BHC Management Company (BHCM) Full-service property management division providing residential and commercial property management for subsidized and LIHTC properties, market-rate properties, and workforce housing; manages 1,500 units.
- Single-Family Home Sales for First-Time Homebuyers New or renovated affordable single-family homes sold to first-time homebuyers earning typically below $50,000, priced from $165,000 to mid-$300s, including homeownership education and down payment assistance coordination.
- Highland Grove For-Sale Community Mixed-income for-sale community in Richmond's Highland Park neighborhood offering single-family homes, duplexes, and triplexes at affordable price points with modern features.
- Homebuyer's Club Free four-workshop educational series guiding prospective homeowners through financial readiness, real-estate market understanding, mortgage navigation, and closing; restricted to households at or below 150% AMI.
- Resident Support Services Free and voluntary services including academic and cultural enrichment for youth, early childhood and parent education, individual counseling, financial and career development, and health and wellness programs for BHC residents.
- My Path Forward Program for youth ages 18-25 who have aged out of Virginia foster care, providing safe housing, trauma-informed counseling, life-skills training, mentorship, and connections to support networks through partnership with Children's Home Society of Virginia.
- Founders' Scholarship Fund Scholarship program awarding up to $1,000 for associate degrees/certificates and up to $2,000 for bachelor/graduate degrees to adult residents (17+) of BHC rental communities pursuing higher education.
Quantifiable outcome
- 42% of BHC resident households are seniors 55+ successfully aging in place
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Better Housing Coalition
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Better Housing Coalition technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
Feature3 records
Better Housing Coalition partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation)coreMajor national nonprofit partner supporting community development. BHC opened offices with LISC and the Virginia Housing Development Authority in 1989. LISC provides financial and technical assistance for BHC's affordable housing developments.
- Children's Home Society of VirginiacoreCo-developer of My Path Forward (formerly The Possibilities Project), a groundbreaking program providing housing and support services for youth aging out of foster care. Won 2016 Virginia Housing Award for Best Housing Program.
- NeighborWorks AmericamajorNational nonprofit providing support and network resources for community development organizations like BHC. Participated in Goodwyn at Union Hill groundbreaking ceremony.
- Enterprise Community PartnersmajorNational nonprofit working to create opportunity through affordable housing, providing resources and expertise for community development.
- Habitat for HumanityminorAffordable housing developer partner in the community development ecosystem.
- Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) of VirginiamajorPartner for homeownership education and fair housing counseling. Included in BHC homebuyer info packet materials.
- FeedMoremajorProvides GRAIN program for senior residents, delivering free groceries including fresh vegetables twice monthly through BHC resident services.
- Senior ConnectionsmajorPartners on Friendship Café program where seniors gather twice weekly at BHC community centers for activities, exercise, and nutritious lunch.
- YWCA RichmondmajorPartner providing safe housing for victims of domestic and sexual abuse through BHC properties.
- United Way/Central VirginiamajorPartner in community support and services. Workplace giving campaign code 3158 for employee giving.
- AmazonmajorEmployer partner participating in BHC career fairs and job recruitment events for residents.
- Project YogaminorWellness partner arranging yoga and exercise opportunities for families and senior residents at BHC communities.
- Fitness WarriorsminorHealth and wellness partner providing exercise programming for BHC senior residents.
- 4-HminorYouth development partner providing programs for children in BHC communities.
- Shalom FarmsminorFood access partner providing fresh produce for BHC communities.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Better Housing Coalition competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- National Church Residences: National nonprofit senior housing and services provider. Overlaps with BHC's senior communities offering barrier-free apartments and resident services, including similar affordable/subsidized LIHTC financing models.
- Mercy Housing: One of the largest national nonprofit affordable housing developers. Operates LIHTC-financed mixed-income rental communities with integrated resident services similar to BHC's model, but at a much larger national scale.
- The NHP Foundation: National nonprofit affordable housing owner/operator with mixed-income and senior housing portfolio. Comparable business model to BHC's combined rental/senior housing operations, though larger geographically.
Direct peers
- WinnCompanies: Major affordable and mixed-income housing owner/manager with LIHTC property expertise. Comparable to BHC's BHCM subsidiary in operating 1,500+ subsidized, LIHTC, and market-rate rental units across multifamily communities.
- Enterprise Community Partners: National nonprofit affordable housing developer and partner of BHC. Both operate LIHTC-financed mixed-income rental developments combined with resident support services, and Enterprise provides resources and expertise to BHC's community development work.
- LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation): National nonprofit community development organization partnering with BHC since 1989. Both provide financing and technical assistance for affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization, including co-sponsorship of the Homebuyer's Club/WORTH program.
- Habitat for Humanity: National nonprofit affordable housing organization and BHC partner. Both develop affordable for-sale homes for first-time homebuyers, with BHC's single-family homeownership program serving a comparable income demographic.
- NeighborWorks America: National network supporting community development nonprofits including BHC (participant in Goodwyn at Union Hill groundbreaking). Both train and support local CDCs delivering affordable housing and resident services.
Regional players
- Richmond Redevelopment & Housing Authority (RRHA): Local public housing authority and BHC partner (East End Transformation, Jefferson Mews development). Operates in the same Greater Richmond geography with overlapping affordable housing mandate and resident populations.
- Urban League of Greater Richmond: Regional nonprofit providing community services and housing-related programs in Greater Richmond. Operates in the same geographic market as BHC with overlapping focus on working families, youth, and economic mobility.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Better Housing Coalition social profiles
Digital presenceBetter Housing Coalition compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Better Housing Coalition financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Better Housing Coalition leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Better Housing Coalition subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Better Housing Coalition funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Better Housing Coalition M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Better Housing Coalition
What does Better Housing Coalition do?
Better Housing Coalition is a nonprofit community development corporation that develops, owns, and operates affordable multifamily rental communities, senior housing, and for-sale single-family homes in the Greater Richmond and Petersburg regions. It also provides property management services through its subsidiary BHC Management Company and free resident support programs covering youth enrichment, career development, financial literacy, and senior wellness.
Is Better Housing Coalition a public or private company?
Better Housing Coalition is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Better Housing Coalition founded?
Better Housing Coalition was founded in 1988. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Better Housing Coalition based?
Better Housing Coalition is headquartered in Richmond, United States, in the North America region.
How does Better Housing Coalition make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Rental Revenue is the primary driver. The others are property Management Services, single-Family Home Sales and philanthropic Contributions.
Who are Better Housing Coalition's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are National Church Residences, Mercy Housing and The NHP Foundation. Direct peers are WinnCompanies, Enterprise Community Partners, LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation), Habitat for Humanity and NeighborWorks America. Regional players are Richmond Redevelopment & Housing Authority (RRHA) and Urban League of Greater Richmond.
Does Better Housing Coalition have an API?
No public API is recorded for Better Housing Coalition.
What industry is Better Housing Coalition in?
Better Housing Coalition's product category is Affordable Housing Development and Property Management. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGALAC, Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts), with a secondary code of IMAFABAI, Residential Affordable Housing Development & Construction. Its NAICS code is 236116 and its SIC code is 1520.