How Affordable Housing Can Transform Entire Communities
In just a few years, this property has shaped the health of its Central Florida neighborhood.

Affordable housing often carries a stigma, but those in the industry know it can be a powerful force for good. One such example is Hawthorne Park, a 120-unit affordable housing community in Pine Hills, Fla., that opened in 2022, catering to seniors in Central Florida. Since then, the entire surrounding area has seen significant improvements in terms of safety and security, as well as revenue increases for nearby businesses.
“By providing safe, secure and affordable homes, the community has not only improved the lives of residents but also boosted the local economy and reduced crime rates,” said Victoria Siplin, vice president of corporate philanthropy and community engagement at Wendover Housing Partners, the developer behind Hawthorne Park.
Community impact
Hawthorne Park has had a significant social impact on Pine Hills, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Orange County. The community was designed to encourage interactions among residents, and the property’s amenities—such as the movie theater, community garden, craft room and swimming pool—are all fostering friendships and improving the quality of life for the senior residents. Numerous studies have shown that people with strong social connections live longer and healthier lives.
“Hawthorne Park is heaven compared to where I used to live,” said Penny, who has been a resident at Hawthorne Park for two years. “I love that it is quiet. Most people here are living on fixed income, and it is hard to find affordable housing out there.”
Among the top activities Penny enjoys at her community are the exercise classes, as well as the arts and crafts and movie nights. All of these not only provide entertainment for her and her neighbors, but they also promote health among residents, ultimately enhancing everyone’s sense of wellbeing.

But affordable housing does more than just provide homes, it keeps communities inclusive, maintains cultural identity and supports the local economy. In Orlando, the tourism industry relies on a workforce that needs affordable housing nearby and when workers can live close to their jobs, it reduces turnover for local businesses and strengthens the economy.
“Wendover worked closely with the Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District to position the community as a catalyst for other developments,” Siplin said. “The project replaced a dilapidated shopping center, reducing crime rates and boosting local business revenue.”
One business that has been benefiting from its proximity to Hawthorne Park is Presidente Supermarket. CFO Ariel Martinez told Multi-Housing News that he noticed an increase in revenue over the past couple of years due to new customers coming in.
READ ALSO: 2025 Policy Preview: How State, Local Issues Will Impact Affordable Housing
Another important aspect for the broader Pine Hills community is that since the affordable housing development opened, common crimes declined significantly. According to data from Orange County Sheriff’s Office, auto burglary saw the most significant decrease since 2022, down 84 percent, followed by stolen vehicles (down 76 percent), aggravated battery (down 57 percent), commercial burglary (down 33 percent) and aggravated assault (down 28 percent).
Additionally, the chief of the local fire department noted that Hawthorne Park has created a safe environment that all locals benefit from. “Orange County Fire Rescue sees Hawthorne Park as a valuable community partner and appreciates their contributions to the infrastructure of the Pine Hills community,” said John Westmoreland, division chief of the Orange County Fire Rescue Department.

More examples
Hawthorne Park is not the only affordable housing project that Wendover developed in the Orlando area that has had a positive impact on the surrounding local community. Projects such as Monroe Landings in Sanford, Fla., a 60-unit property built on the former site of a decayed public housing community, revitalized the historic Goldsboro neighborhood and provided much-needed affordable housing. Developed in partnership with the Orlando Housing Authority and the Sanford Housing Authority, the success of the first phase of the Monroe Landings project prompted the developer to add an additional four buildings, which encompass 84 family affordable units.
In addition to Monroe Landings, Wendover has three other affordable housing communities in Sanford. “These developments have not only changed the lives of residents but also contributed to the overall improvement of the city,” Siplin said. “With more than 12 percent of Sanford’s population living below the poverty level, these affordable housing projects are crucial for the community’s well-being.”
To cater to community needs, all leaders need to step up to support affordable housing initiatives and become advocates for affordable housing. By setting policies and working closely with developers, community leaders can help create more affordable housing options and improve the quality of life for low-income residents, believes Siplin. “Engaging with the community and addressing concerns transparently can also help build trust and support for these projects,” she said.
And as more communities embrace such developments, the neighborhoods will become more inclusive. However, this can only happen if the public perception about affordable housing continues to change.
“Education is key to breaking misconceptions, and building affordable housing requires buy-in from local government and the community,” Siplin said. “Fostering relationships and holding conversations with stakeholders can demonstrate the benefits of affordable housing communities.”