Better Housing Coalition

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.

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

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

• Affordable housing development
• Multifamily rental communities
• Senior housing services
• Community development corporation
• Property management services

Headquarters

HQ city

Richmond

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core 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

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor 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 VirginiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-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 AmericamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational nonprofit providing support and network resources for community development organizations like BHC. Participated in Goodwyn at Union Hill groundbreaking ceremony.
• Enterprise Community PartnersmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational nonprofit working to create opportunity through affordable housing, providing resources and expertise for community development.
• Habitat for HumanityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffordable housing developer partner in the community development ecosystem.
• Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) of VirginiamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for homeownership education and fair housing counseling. Included in BHC homebuyer info packet materials.
• FeedMoremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides GRAIN program for senior residents, delivering free groceries including fresh vegetables twice monthly through BHC resident services.
• Senior ConnectionsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners on Friendship Café program where seniors gather twice weekly at BHC community centers for activities, exercise, and nutritious lunch.
• YWCA RichmondmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing safe housing for victims of domestic and sexual abuse through BHC properties.
• United Way/Central VirginiamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in community support and services. Workplace giving campaign code 3158 for employee giving.
• AmazonmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployer partner participating in BHC career fairs and job recruitment events for residents.
• Project YogaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWellness partner arranging yoga and exercise opportunities for families and senior residents at BHC communities.
• Fitness WarriorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealth and wellness partner providing exercise programming for BHC senior residents.
• 4-HminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth development partner providing programs for children in BHC communities.
• Shalom FarmsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFood access partner providing fresh produce for BHC communities.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad 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

• Xx.com/BHC_RVA
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/BHCmedia
• Facebookfacebook.com/betterhousingcoalition
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/better-housing-coalition
• Instagraminstagram.com/BHC_RVA

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Better Housing Coalition