In middle-income neighborhoods, the
ratio of age-appropriate books is
13 books to 1 child

In low-income neighborhoods, the ratio is
1 book for every 300 children

The availability of reading material is a stronger predictor of academic achievement than socio-economic status. Wesley Housing’s three Community Resource Centers (CRC) serve more than 136 children and youth. Few new books have been added to the Centers, and with both school and public libraries reeling from drastic budget cuts, kids are struggling to find reading material.

You Can Help
Without Leaving Your Home or Office!

Center Directors have posted their Wish Lists based on their students' summer reading lists (grades 1-9) and the books the kids are most interested in reading. They have also included reference books and some choices for the adults served by the Centers. Additionally, you can donate books of your choice for pre-readers, children and youth. Books can be purchased from these online links and delivered directly to the Centers!

You can also help by sending an email to your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Just drop the following text into an email and send. You'll be making a difference!

If you're a book person like me and want to make a difference in the lives of children and youth, here's an opportunity to do so without ever leaving the comfort of your couch. Did you know the availability of reading material is a stronger predictor of academic achievement than socio-economic status.

Help Wesley Housing increase the availability of books in their three Community Resource centers that offer Homework Help and other afterschool and summer programs for more than 130 children and youth from low-income families. Just click on one of the links below to see the books on the wish list, make a purchase, and have the books delivered directly to the Center. It's that easy. Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a difference.

Wish List for Whitefield Commons Community Resource Center in Arlington, VA

Wish List for Wexford Manor Community Resource Center in Falls Church, VA

Wish List for Lincolnia Community Resource Center in Alexandria, VA

Wesley Housing develops, manages, and preserves quality affordable housing with supportive services for more than 2,000 low-income families, individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities in northern Virginia,

Contact Kim for more information.