Tryko Partners’ Commitment to Residents Clear at Richmond Rental Property
RICHMOND, Va., – Times are changing at Midlothian Village. And as the multifamily property’s turnaround continues, Richmond-area community groups are contributing to its progress, according to Tryko Partners’ Danielle Tirado, regional asset manager.
Tryko Partners, a private equity real estate group based in Brick, N.J., specializes in project-based, Section 8 Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) acquisitions and operations. The firm purchased Midlothian Village, a 216-unit affordable housing rental property on the city’s south side, in 2013, and since that time it has worked to bring in programming and resources to benefit residents.
“The response from local advocacy, non-profit and government groups has been amazing,” Tirado noted. “We are hosting events several times each month, and as a result Midlothian Village truly has become a center for community.”
New Direction Outreach, a non-profit that works with Richmond-area youth, is among the contributors. The group – which provides after school programs, tutoring and behavior therapy as a partner of Youth Development Counseling Agency – recently hosted a fall community day at Midlothian Village. Participants enjoyed food, entertainment, prizes, grocery giveaways and educational workshops. The Richmond Health Department was on-hand as well, with information about immunizations.
Michael Abdelmagid, president, founded New Direction Outreach with his sister, Samia, who serves as chief executive officer. “Midlothian Village’s management clearly cares for the people who live there,” he said. “The neighborhood is really improving, and we want to be part of that. Our event was a lot of fun – we all enjoyed it. We look forward to continuing the relationship.”
Cheyanne Williams, property manager, is the face of Tryko Partners at Midlothian Village and spearheads the company’s outreach efforts. “We have a huge group of organizations and individuals that want to help meet our residents’ needs,” she said. “Word of mouth has brought us a number of partners with valuable resources, both material and educational. It is gratifying to see such good in people.”
Other recent events included a fall festival hosted by local congregation New Covenant Fellowship. The late October event featured activities and pumpkin decorating for Midlothian children. In September, a regional car club donated school supplies to the youth there, and other groups regularly host food and clothing drives to benefit Midlothian Village.
Much of the community-building activity that goes on at the property stems directly from requests. “Our residents know they can come to the office for help,” Williams said. “And if we can’t provide it we will find them the correct resources. We do our best to help them feel valued and welcome.” Williams, herself, has helped build resumes and complete applications, and navigate computer issues.
This effort is in keeping with Tryko Partner’s commitment to engender a sense of community at all of its affordable rental properties. As a hands-on operator, the firm assists residents in any capacity possible, and the company has had great success in working with neighborhood leaders and organizations that help those in need.