Building Home Together: How Local Partners Are Shaping the Future of Housing in Lancaster

Dana Hanchin believes in taking risks to see change in the world—a key philosophy she brings to her role as President and CEO of HDC MidAtlantic, as well as throughout her 30-year career in affordable housing.

Before she made her way east, Dana grew up in WesternPennsylvania, where her grandfathers were steelworkers and her father was a U.S. Marine. Her family taught her the value of hard work, perseverance, and delivering on your promises. When her dad finished his service, he got married and struggled to find work in an industry that was losing ground. “My family was a microcosm of what can happen in communities when economies shift,” she shared.

Her father did what he had to do to support his family and create opportunities for his three daughters. Through a federal homeownership program, her family became first-time homeowners and found greater stability—an experience that showed Dana at an early age how access to housing opportunities can change a family’s trajectory.

As a first-generation college graduate, she studied political science at Kent State University followed by earning her master’s in urban studies from Temple University. She then began working as a housing organizer in Philadelphia, where she saw echoes of her own family’s experiences as she worked alongside residents to create thriving neighborhoods.

“We focused on connecting with residents, businesses, nonprofits, and other stakeholders to figure out what kind of change they wanted to see in their communities—with a particular lens around affordable housing,” she shared.

Dana’s driving force was understanding how positive change actually happens. This curiosity led to mastering the skills needed to deliver tangible outcomes. In 2008, Dana led amajor housing and economic recovery program for the City of Philadelphia, helping communities navigate the aftermath of the foreclosure crisis. As her expertise deepened, so did her conviction about the larger purpose behind the work.

“At the core of my work has always been a commitment to housing justice,” Dana said. “I believe that everyone should have access to housing that meets their needs based on what they can afford.”

When Dana came to Lancaster to lead HDC in 2018, the opportunity represented a culmination of her professional experience and her passion. Now with 150 employees, 65affordable housing communities, and over 4,500 residents to serve across a three-state footprint, Dana is focused on ensuring both HDC employees and the residents feel seen, valued, and heard in the decisions that affect them.

“As a community, we have a responsibility to say, ‘Are we really meeting the true needs of our residents so everyone can thrive?’” she added.

HDC MidAtlantic envisions a world where a safe, welcoming, affordable place to call home is open to everyone. To support HDC MidAtlantic or learn about available resources, visit hdcweb.org.

Reach High is a series brought to you by High Foundation that introduces you to business and nonprofit leaders who are thoughtfully innovating with a spirit of servant leadership. Find out more about High Foundation’s mission to be a Bridge to Opportunity for the Lancaster community at highfoundation.org.

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