Washington, D.C. is experiencing a severe housing shortage, with rising home prices and interest rates making homeownership inaccessible for many families. The State of the Nation’s Housing 2025 report found that renter cost burdens reached a record high in 2023. To address this issue, organizations like Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) are working to create affordable housing options.

Rebuilding Barry Farm

The redevelopment of Barry Farm in D.C. is focused on strengthening community infrastructure alongside expanding housing access. Developed by POAH and supported by JPMorganChase, Hillsdale Flats is one of three residential communities planned within the larger Barry Farm redevelopment initiative, which is expected to include nearly 1,000 housing units. The broader redevelopment plan includes upgraded public utility systems, eco-friendly landscaping, community-serving retail space, and a large central park designed to host programs and services for residents.

By combining housing with public infrastructure and community gathering spaces, Hillsdale Flats aims to support long-term neighborhood stability and economic opportunity. Maia Shanklin-Roberts, Vice President of Real Estate Development at POAH, stated, ‘Rebuilding Barry Farm is about more than housing, it’s about restoring opportunity and strengthening a community with deep roots in D.C.’ JPMorganChase has invested over $60 million in local nonprofit organizations over the past five years and supports 15,000 small business clients, providing financial health education to thousands of residents.

Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.