Resident Resources

Since 2002, Somerset has partnered with tenant associations, non-profits and resident councils to provide a robust set of Resident Resources and Social Services to the residents of our affordable apartment communities. We believe it takes much more than bricks and mortar to make meaningful change in historically underserved communities. Our goal is to expand residents’ access to opportunities and enable each individual to reach their full potential.

Somerset has been a pioneer by establishing Tenant Services Funds at the time of development or redevelopment, along with a commitment of 15% or more of net cash flow from the property which provides a long-term source of funding for Resident Resources programs and staff and assures sustainability. In the 23 years of providing Resident Resources, Somerset has

• Delivered high-quality, data-informed programming to youth, households with children and older adults across 11 affordable communities in DC and Baltimore, serving over 2,000 individual residents annually.
• Awarded $45,000 in needs-based scholarships to residents pursuing goals through higher education, professional certifications, and high school equivalencies or GEDs.
• Planned and implemented after school and summer programming for youth that reduced summer learning loss, increased books read and and improved math and reading scores.
• Provided a path to homeownership for approximately 5 households.
• Assisted residents in obtaining over $2 million in rental assistance since the start of the Covid pandemic and provided emergency food assistance to those in need.
• Cultivated gardening skills and access to fresh produce through maintaining active community gardens at 8 communities.
• Decreased social isolation for older adults by providing community field trips and opportunities outside of their four walls.

Somerset’s Resident Services Director (RSD) oversees the coordination of Resident Resources staffing and programs undertaken on all of its affordable housing properties. Programs are primarily implemented through third-party property management companies and through non-profit partners, who hire staff and manage the on-site programs. Somerset signs Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with providers that have long-standing track records and expertise in specialized services in order to augment the work of Resident Resources staff at our communities. Our model proved to be extremely effective in maintaining emergency services for residents throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

CORES Certification

In 2023, Somerset Development became a Certified Organization for Resident Engagement Services (CORES) company! The CORES certification recognizes Somerset’s commitment to robust, resident-centered service provision. This credential elevates organizations that have developed the necessary infrastructure to deliver high-quality resident services across their affordable housing portfolios.

Resident Services Annual Report

The Resident Services team celebrated a year of in-person activities, events and programs across our communities in Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD and scheduled a full year of active engagement with our residents. Learn about the year’s activities in our Resident Services Annual Report for 2023.

Resident Services Annual Report 2023

Construction Training Program & Impact Report

Our Construction Training Program equipped Washington, DC residents with essential skills for the construction industry. Through hands-on training and industry expertise, participants gained practical experience, earned certifications, enhanced their employability and improved career prospects. This program bridged the gap between local talent and industry needs, fostering workforce development and economic growth in the community. The Faircliff Construction Training Impact Report provides insight into how the program impacted those residents who participated in the program.

The Faircliff Construction Training Impact Report