Wesley Housing

Results: Founded in 1974, Wesley Housing is a leading nonprofit, affordable rental housing developer that builds and preserves permanent housing options for low- and moderate-income persons across the Washington, DC metro area. Beyond putting roofs over heads, we strive for our housing to be a foundation to thrive. Our mission is to build up the lives our most vulnerable community members by creating and operating healthy, supportive, stable, affordable housing communities. We do this by offering free support services and education to every resident to guide them on their paths to self-sufficiency. As such, our core lines of business fall under real estate development, asset management, property management, and resident services. Since inception, Wesley’s work has impacted more than 25,000 lives by developing or acquiring 2,300 units in the District and Virginia, including multi-family rentals and supportive specialty housing for older adults and individuals with disabilities and/or chronic disease. Recent Accomplishments: In 2019, the Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future recognized Wesley Housing as a Certified Organization for Resident Engagement & Services (CORES). The certification program is designed to identify owners of multifamily affordable properties and service organizations working in multifamily affordable properties that provide resident services provision in line with a robust coordination system. We are one of 16 recipients nationwide. Additionally, we received the SatisFacts’ Resident Superior Award for the fifth year in a row because of our residents’ exceptional rating of quality of life in our communities.

Target demographics: low-income families, at-risk children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses

Direct beneficiaries per year: In 2019, 1,546 families took advantage of our HSI service offerings. As a result, we prevented 712 evictions (a 99% success rate), meaning 712 families maintained their housing and potential homelessness was averted; 564 households accessed linkage and referral services; 309 adults participated in workforce development training; 118 residents completed English proficiency courses; 47 residents obtained first time or better paying jobs; 413 residents participated in health and wellness activities; 277 youth enrolled in out-of-school-time enrichment; and 14 families reached the ultimate goal of self-sufficiency by moving out of our communities and purchasing their first home.

Geographic areas served: Metro Washington, DC

Programs: free stabilizing support services, education, workforce development opportunities, and youth programs to guide residents on their paths to self-sufficiency.