“How” the Faith Community Should Care About Affordable Housing

Father Gerry Creedon, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

Religion and hospitality have always been linked. Our central rituals call us to share food and life. We extend the spirit of welcome beyond our faith communities when we reach out to homeless persons.

Our congregations serve in shelters and support group homes. It is time for us to take the leap from projects and service, to advocacy for affordable housing. While developers in our area build more houses with nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms, the number of two- and three-bedroom rental apartments decrease for low-wage workers and immigrants—who must stand in line. As well as compassionate service, we need action for justice to protect the available stock of housing for the poor in our communities.

Wesley Housing Offers Grace

Rev. Pamela Clark Egan reflects on what Wesley Housing means to her

The story of Wesley Housing Development Corporation began with one faithful United Methodist layperson, Mrs. Virginia Peters.

The former school teacher heard God's call to help find a way to provide adequate housing for the underserved in Northern Virginia. She became the founding director of Wesley Housing Development Corporation. This is also the story of Mr. Raymond Lynch. The developer and philanthropist found a way to give Mrs. Peters and her associates the land on which to build their first community, Strawbridge Square Apartments - home for 128 at-risk families. Mr. Lynch sold 20 acres of prime wooded real estate to Wesley Housing for $1.

Living without adequate shelter is a source of emotional pain for many low and moderate-income families. Wesley Housing helps heal that hurt through its mission to provide quality, affordable housing and supportive services to vulnerable Northern Virginians. Below, one of Wesley Housing's first residents shares her story:

I am writing this with a humble heart and a great deal of gratitude to Wesley Housing. Twenty-five years ago I was a single mom. My husband left me early in my pregnancy and I found myself struggling to support my daughter and myself. I babysat five small children during the week. I was a janitor in the evenings, and I cleaned two apartments on Saturdays. Frequently, I carried my daughter on my back as I worked. I slept little and worried a great deal. I spent most of my salary on rent.

One Sunday, someone suggested that I talk with Wesley Housing to see if I was eligible to live in their newly built apartments. I moved in on Dee. 27, 1978—a wonderful Christmas present. My rent was based on my income. It was a beautiful two bedroom townhouse, new and clean, safe, and perfect!

The day I moved out of my apartment I returned to it before I turned in my keys. I sat alone in the middle of the empty living room and cried as I thanked God for the people of Wesley Housing who offered me dignity, compassion, and grace when I needed it the most.

I now have three beautiful children. I have a degree from Wesley Theological Seminary and I am a probationer in the Virginia Conference. I am blessed to be the pastor of Sleepy Hollow UMC. It was the people of Wesley Housing who helped me believe in myself and answer my call to ministry. God bless them!"

- Rev. Pamela Clark Egan

Wesley Housing provides affordable rental housing and offers a comprehensive range of supportive services to Northern Virginia's low- and moderate-income families, individuals, seniors, and the disabled. Supported by faith communities, especially local United Methodist churches and the Board of Missions of the Alexandria and Arlington districts, government agencies, banks, foundations, corporations, and individuals, the nonprofit organization has acquired 23 communities in over 30 years of service.

For more information about Wesley Housing, call (703) 642-3830, ext. 217