On June 27, Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) and the Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV) opened a period pantry at Gates of Ballston, an AHC community in Arlington, Virginia. Stocked with free feminine hygiene products, the pantry provides residents with essential supplies at no cost.
“Our mission at AHC is to keep residents at the heart of everything we do — and that means addressing real, everyday needs with dignity and compassion,” Melanie Ficke, Program Manager of Special Projects at AHC, said. “Through the new period pantry at Gates of Ballston and our partnership with the Junior League of Northern Virginia, we’re removing barriers to access and reinforcing that every resident deserves to be supported and respected.”
This is the seventh period pantry JLNV has opened as part of an ongoing initiative to “address the critical issue of period poverty.” JLNV has collected more than 20,000 period products to stock the pantries.
“This pantry is more than a cabinet of supplies; it’s a symbol of what can happen when a community comes together to meet a real and urgent need,” Miranda Lewis, 2025-2026 President of JLNV, said. “Access to period products is a matter of dignity, health, and opportunity. When we stock these shelves, we’re not just distributing pads and tampons — we’re restoring confidence and removing barriers.”
AHC staff, members of JLNV, residents, and local leaders celebrated the opening of this community resource. Special thanks to Senator Barbara Favola, Arlington County Board Vice Chair Matt de Ferranti, and Supervisor of Public Engagement at Arlington Public Schools Dulce Carrillo for joining the celebration.
Several residents participating in the weekly food distribution at Gates of Ballston also visited the period pantry to take the items they needed.
The pantry at Gates of Ballston is possible thanks to the generosity of neighbors, donors, and the Arlington Community Foundation’s Wishlist.
AHC is proud to host this vital resource for residents. Learn more about how you can support the pantry and donate supplies.
2230 North Fairfax Drive
Suite 100
Arlington, VA 22201
703-486-0626
1501 Saint Paul Street
Suite 111
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-685-0366