Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) and the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection are partnering to provide rent relief for 11 families at The Spire, an AHC community in Alexandria.
“We’re grateful for the Church of the Resurrection helping us launch this new program, which provides much-needed breathing room for our families at The Spire,” Susan Davidson, Vice President of Resident Services at AHC, said. “We know that affordable housing is a platform for economic mobility, transformation, and human development — and this program provides just that.”
The Church of the Resurrection, which neighbors The Spire, provided $66,000 to support the RISE Program, a new pilot initiative that provides participants with $250 per month to help cover rent costs.
“The Church of the Resurrection in the West End of Alexandria believes that it exists to share what it has with others. So, we are delighted to partner with AHC and Harbor Group, its property management partner, to help provide rent stabilization for our neighbors at The Spire,” The Rev. Jo Belser, Rector at the church, said.
“We pray that the families who participate in this program will be uplifted in some way that helps both them and others flourish.”
– The Rev. Jo Belser, Rector, Episcopal Church of the Resurrection
The Spire is a 113-apartment affordable community that opened in 2021 through a joint initiative between the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection and AHC. Located near public transit, the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College, and commercial hubs, The Spire provides quality housing for households earning 30% to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
The RISE Program is designed to support Spire residents facing persistent financial hardship or severe rent burdens. The program will:
- Subsidize $250 of monthly rent for 24 months for each participating household
- Require active participation in financial literacy and supportive services led by onsite Resident Services staff
- Be administered by AHC’s Asset Management team in partnership with onsite property management
Britepaths is the financial literacy partner for the program, which also includes a savings match incentive. When participants contribute $10 per month to a designated savings account, AHC will match it up to $500 over two years. Matching funds will be distributed upon successful program completion.
The program launched on August 1, with the 11 families receiving their first $250 rent credit.
“Our hope is that this pilot not only provides relief now but also helps families build a stronger financial foundation for the future,” Davidson said. “It’s about stability, opportunity, and community — and we’re proud to be working with partners who share those values.”
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