Wesley Housing’s Post

Wesley Housing Development Corporation (now “Wesley Housing”) was founded by the late Virginia Swain Peters, a former schoolteacher and United Methodist laywoman. In 1972, Virginia became the co-chair of an Affordable Housing Task Force sponsored by the United Methodist Church in Northern Virginia. After studying housing conditions and countless field trips throughout Northern Virginia, she began to understand what housing deprivation means not in just statistics, but in very specific human terms. Peters set out to “translate faith into action.” Incorporated in 1974, Wesley Housing grew from a cardboard box of files stored on the backseat of Virginia’s car into the leading nonprofit developer it is today. With no experience in affordable housing, Virginia Peters galvanized the support of bankers, real estate developers, civic groups, and faith communities in addressing the critical need of affordable housing in the region. Peters was a true #LeadershipLegend who shaped the past, present, and future of our organization. #WesleyHousing50 #AffordableHousing #FounderStory

We’re kicking off our 50th anniversary #decadesofdevelopment series with Wesley Housing's very first community, Strawbridge Square Apartments, located in the Lincolnia neighborhood of Fairfax County. In 1977, 20 acres of land (valued at $372,750) were purchased for $1.00 from the Vernon M. Lynch Sons Partnership. Wesley Housing then donated 10 acres to the Fairfax County Park Authority for passive recreation. In 2010, an extensive renovation was completed that included new roofs, kitchens, baths, energy efficient upgrades and an expansion to the Community Resource Center. In 2019, the community received Communities of Quality national recognition by NAHMA - The National Affordable Housing Management Association, having achieved a high standard of excellence in management, services provided to residents, experience and training of personnel, and other criteria. Strawbridge Square features 128 stacked townhouses and garden apartments in mid-rise brick buildings. The community continues to be unique for the high percentage of larger three- and four-bedroom units for families. Six of the townhouses are wheelchair accessible. Fairfax County Government #WesleyHousing50

Happy #InternationalPrideDay! June 28, 1969 marked the beginning of the Stonewall Uprising, a days-long rebellion that helped spark the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement: https://bit.ly/4eTOm4y. Today, we reflect and acknowledge the progress that has been made and the the journey ahead to a greater, more equitable future for all. Photo Credit: @StonewallNPS

We were thrilled to be honored at the 2024 Inova Health Equity Opportunities Luncheon as one of 23 grant recipients! This funding will support the Housing Stability Initiative which stabilizes residents’ housing, provides free education and training to increase families’ income, and offers healthcare, food assistance, and more right in our communities. Thank you, Inova, for supporting Wesley’s families in building up their lives and reaching economic stability.  #buildingup #healthequity #healthandhousing

Melwood and Wesley Housing are pleased to announce the submission of a Site Plan Application for a mixed-use development including 105 new affordable housing units and 18,000 square feet of ground level space for Melwood’s community service use in Arlington, VA. The application begins the County’s iterative Site Plan Review Process, which provides multiple opportunities for input from stakeholders and the community. Read more in the full press release: bit.ly/3VQNupH. #AffordableHousing #Arlington #InclusiveCommunity Arlington County Government

Exciting news from National Apartment Association (Naahq)'s Apartmentalize conference! The Cadence in Arlington has been awarded the Affordable Community of the Year award by NAA, which celebrates our commitment to exceptional service for residents and the community. This national award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our property management and resident services teams who create a supportive community that builds up lives. A special thank you to our valued partners who have contributed to the development of this vibrant community and those who continue to support us with ongoing programs and services. #AffordableCommunityoftheYear #NAA #Apartmentalize2024 #CommunityExcellenceAwards #Collaboration #Teamwork

Today we honor the meaning of #Juneteenth and celebrate it being recognized as an important day in our nation’s history. On this day, in 1865, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved African Americans in Texas received news that they were finally free. Let’s reflect on the sacrifices and resiliency of the African American community and honor the legacy of Juneteenth by continuing the fight for justice and equality.