For Immediate Release                                                     CONTACT: Patricia M. Dashiell
May 21, 2008                                                                               (703) 642-3830 ext. 237

Wesley Housing Features Pianist in Benefit Concert

support raised for affordable rental housing in Northern Virginia

Alexandria, VA.—Wesley Housing Development Corporation held An Open Door Concert to support affordable housing in Northern Virginia Friday on May 16, 2008.  The fundraiser event included youth artists performing music and live vignettes based on the lives of residents in Wesley Housing’s affordable communities.  Pianist David Nevue performed original compositions for an audience that included residents from Wesley Housing’s Quarry Station Seniors Apartments, Wesley Agape House, and Coppermine Place I and II.

“People need more than just a roof over their heads,” stated Shelley Murphy, Wesley Housing’s CEO.  “Tonight, the community showed their support and understanding of the critical need for supportive and assistive programs in affordable housing communities.”

Proceeds and donations stemming from the concert will help to support Wesley Housing’s activities in its nineteen affordable housing communities located in eight cities across Northern Virginia.  Three of those properties have Community Resource Centers, where programs address the educational, professional, and personal development needs of children, youth, and adult residents in their communities.  At three other properties—those serving residents with special needs, such as the profoundly disabled and the elderly—Wesley Housing manages Resident Service Centers, where staff provide social, recreational, and educational programming and offer information and referral services tailored to resident needs.

Sponsors of the fundraiser included Acacia Federal Savings Bank, Nancy and Lyle Minter, Ann and Thomas Farris III, Rev. Marci and Ken Huntsman, Beth and Paul Pautler, Muriel Garr, Janet Maxwell, and Shelley and Michael Murphy.

Centreville United Methodist Church was the venue sponsor.  Accommodations were provided by Westfields Marriott.

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Wesley Housing Development Corporation's mission is to develop, own, operate, preserve, and maintain affordable housing and sustain quality communities for low-and moderate-income persons in Northern Virginia. In over three decades, Wesley Housing has sponsored the development of 23 communities, totaling over 1,600 housing units serving over 15,000 Northern Virginians.  Wesley Housing communities include 3 on-site Community Resource Centers and 3 on-site Resident Services Centers.