Our Neighborhoods→Virginia Church Donates $1 Million to Stop 338 Families From EvictionStoryRead more →
What this is
A Virginia church raised $1 million to save 338 families from eviction, showing how faith communities can be powerful partners in housing stability.
A Virginia church stepped up to help hundreds of families keep their homes. Alfred Street Baptist Church raised $1 million to pay back rent for 338 families facing eviction in Alexandria, Virginia.
The crisis started when the Alexandria Redevelopment & Housing Authority lost over $1 million in unpaid rent from 445 of their 1,000 public housing units. Families owed amounts from $50 to nearly $30,000. The unpaid rent came from job market challenges, rising costs of living, and lasting effects from COVID-19.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins brought the problem to the Mayor's Interfaith Council. Rev. Howard-John Wesley of Alfred Street Baptist Church answered the call. The historically Black church, serving the community since 1803, organized their congregation to donate the full amount needed.
Church members raised the $1,049,000 through their annual SEEK action, a time of fasting and prayer held earlier in 2026. "Every single penny is going outside the door of the church," Wesley told his congregation. The donation will go through the nonprofit ACT for Alexandria to make sure funds reach the right families.
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The church and other faith groups plan to meet with each family to help them stay current on rent going forward. They will also provide food banks and job skills training. This shows how communities can work together to solve housing challenges and support our neighbors in need.
Key details
- Families helped: 338
- Total donation: $1,049,000
- Church founded: 1803
- Housing units: 1,000
- Unpaid rent: $50 to $30,000
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