Phoenix Apartments is an 83-unit affordable housing community in Providence, Rhode Island’s vibrant West End neighborhood. The scattered-site community consists of 27 walk-up buildings distributed around Cranston Street, the neighborhood’s central artery. Phoenix Apartments is restricted to households earning at or below 60% of the area median income (AMI) and is home to 200 residents who enjoy amenities, including a community room, on-site laundry, and access to public transportation.

WinnResidential manages Phoenix Apartments, and the site team consists of a property manager, a maintenance supervisor, a maintenance technician, and a dedicated community coordinator. The team holds various NAHMA credentials, including Certified Property Operator (CPO), Fair Housing Compliance (FHC), and Specialist in Housing Credit Management (SHCM) designations. All site team members are fluent in English and Spanish to accommodate the community’s non-English speaking residents. They say that the key to their success is regularly interacting with residents to stay informed about property dynamics, address resident needs promptly, and resolve issues quickly.

The team swiftly navigates the challenges of handling maintenance tasks and staff schedules across multiple locations by using RealPage OneSite and Mobile Facilities software, which simplifies task allocation, tracks progress in real time and streamlines communication. Furthermore, the property manager’s emphasis on daily upkeep ensures Phoenix Apartments is always inspection-ready, promoting operational efficiency and a sense of pride among residents.
This focus on curb appeal and file handling at Phoenix Apartments has been paid off during recent inspections and reviews. The property achieved an impressive score of 83b, indicating exceptional performance, during a 2023 Real Estate Assessment Center physical inspection. Additionally, Phoenix Apartments earned high marks in other inspections, including an “above average” score from HUD/PBCA/CA Management and Occupancy Review, a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) File audit with “all issues resolved,” and a mortgage company review with “all issues clarified or resolved.”

Thanks to WinnResidential’s commitment to financial transparency and accountability, Phoenix Apartments is financially stable and compliant with funding sources and regulations. The property has fully funded replacement reserves, meeting HUD and other relevant guidelines. Phoenix Apartments also boasts an annual rent collection rate of 90% or higher, and it undergoes regular independent financial reviews without discrepancies.

The team at Phoenix Apartments has curated a variety of partnerships, programs, and services to meet the diverse needs of its residents, including financial assistance for energy bills through the Rhode Island Energy Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program for eligible residents, meals from West End Community Pantry, financial counseling by Citizens Bank, health care services through the Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, painting and other artistic activities with Paint and Vino, access to the SPIN shared scooter micromobility program for transportation needs, and addiction counseling services provided by Project Weber/RENEW.

Phoenix Apartments residents also participate in HUD’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program through the FSS Collaborative, a partnership between Compass Working Capital Group, WinnResidential, and the Connected Communities Foundation. Through the FSS program, 10 heads of household receive personalized support in setting and achieving financial goals while also building savings for long-term financial security and independence.