APM is dedicated to preserving affordable housing in Philadelphia.
Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM), translating to “Association of Puerto Ricans on the Move”, is a Latino-based health, human services, community and economic development nonprofit organization serving the Philadelphia area. The organization started as a group of Puerto Rican activists who wanted to motivate their community and gain access to fair resources.
“We believe building and preserving affordable housing is critical because it allows our community members to stay in the neighborhood,” said Rose Gray, Senior VP of Community and Economic Development at APM. “This is important because it helps maintain social and cultural networks and preserves the history and legacy of this community.”
APM, alongside Elon Affordable Housing, recently unveiled the newly-built Camino De Oro development, a 44 unit senior affordable housing development located at 8th and Berks streets in North Philadelphia.
APM also announced it will be breaking ground soon on another affordable housing development, located on the current vacant land located west of the Camino De Oro building.
“Affordable housing is on the front lines of the struggle for racial equity and public health, we know the affordable housing crisis across the U.S. and in Philadelphia is making it more difficult to find homes for seniors,” said Mayor Jim Kenney.
Today, the demographic that is served through APM is mainly the Latino and African American population in North and Northeast Philadelphia. APM — which is a part of the expansive Community Development Corporation network within Philadelphia — not only builds and preserves affordable housing, but also offers support to stabilize the community and keep families in their homes. This includes providing resources related to rental assistance, eviction support, and benefits enrollment. APM also offers counseling services that increase financial stability, as well as housing counseling programs for first time home buyers.
The Camino De Oro building completion is monumental in the continued fight to preserve affordability in Philadelphia. CDC’s purpose is to support and revitalize communities, especially those that are impoverished or struggling and reach racial equity.
“Our grandparents and seniors are the building blocks and foundations of families, vital members of our communities, and the most vulnerable,” said CEO and President of APM Nilda Ortiz. “Many of them worked way before the cost of living we have today. So their social security and retirements are still low income. So for me, this accomplishment is personal, I’m so happy were able to do this for 44 seniors.”
