Lancaster Housing Works, a newly formed nonprofit focused on affordable workforce housing, has acquired its first residential property in Lancaster County. The acquisition took place in late December and marks the organization’s initial step toward expanding housing options for local workers.
The purchase was supported by a long-term funding commitment from the High Foundation. Over the next five years, Lancaster Housing Works plans to add between 325 and 360 affordable workforce housing units across the county.
Lancaster County continues to face one of the lowest housing vacancy rates in the United States. As a result, rental prices have risen, making it harder for residents to find affordable homes close to their workplaces.
“High Foundation’s goal is to have a transformational impact on the largest issues impacting Lancaster County. Housing is top of the list,” said Robin Stauffer, President/CEO, High Foundation.
The High Foundation has previously supported several local housing initiatives. These include emergency housing, transitional housing, homelessness services, and subsidized rental developments. However, the foundation identified a need to directly increase the supply of affordable housing units. This led to the launch of Lancaster Housing Works as a standalone 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Lancaster Housing Works primarily serves residents earning between 50% and 80% of the area median income (AMI). This group includes teachers, healthcare workers, skilled tradespeople, and other essential workers who support the local economy.
By expanding the availability of affordable rental housing, the nonprofit aims to help residents remain in the communities where they work. The organization’s approach focuses on stability and long-term affordability rather than short-term relief.
The nonprofit’s first acquisition is Stonecreek Court, a 60-unit apartment complex located in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. The property includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom units.
The transaction was supported by $4.5 million in philanthropic funding from the High Foundation, which forms part of its broader $10 million commitment. In addition, the Lancaster County Community Foundation provided a $2.3 million social impact loan to complete the purchase.
“This is a huge milestone for Lancaster Housing Works,” said Diana Martin, Executive Director. “We envision a Lancaster County where no one has to choose between paying their rent and affording life’s other essentials, and this was a meaningful step in that direction.”
Stonecreek Court was identified as a priority because it qualifies as “naturally occurring affordable housing.” Rents at the property were already affordable for households earning 50–80% of the AMI. However, that affordability was at risk due to the property being listed for sale.
Housing is generally considered affordable when total housing costs remain at or below 30% of a household’s income. In many cases, sales to market-rate developers result in faster rent increases, which can displace existing residents.
“Lancaster’s economy is hurting from a shortage of affordable workforce housing,” said Tom Baldrige, Board Chair, Lancaster Housing Works. “We need more options for the healthcare workers, educators, and technicians who fuel our economy.”
Unlike many affordable housing developers, Lancaster Housing Works will not rely on Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). While LIHTC remains a common federal funding mechanism, it is often complex and limited in availability.
Instead, the organization plans to build its housing portfolio through partnerships and philanthropic capital. It will work closely with the High companies to access real estate development, property management, and acquisition services at or below market rates.
“It’s our honor to support this innovative solution to a pressing need,” said Mike Shirk, CEO of High companies. “The High companies already positively impact communities – contributing time, talent, and resources to hundreds of community organizations, reinvesting our profits through the High Foundation, and by providing thriving wage jobs for families in our region. Now we’re going deeper and directly using our expertise to help create much-needed affordable workforce housing in our community, and we look forward to engaging other partners in this mission.”
“People are out there doing their very best, but the price of housing has made it impossible for them,” said S. Dale High, Chair, High Foundation. “As a community, we have to find a way to give them a chance. I’m proud the High Foundation can provide visionary funding to launch Lancaster Housing Works and help more of our neighbors afford a place to call home.”
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