Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) is sharing this story from one of its partners, the Baltimore County Volunteer Center. It originally appeared in the Volunteer Center’s September 2026 newsletter and is republished with permission and lightly edited for style.
A simple weekly phone conversation can go a long way for someone seeking companionship. Inspired by this truth, one Baltimore County resident, Carolyn Alexander, asked the question: “What if older adults had a caring, familiar voice checking in on them each week?” From that idea came Friendly Phone Calls, an initiative that brings comfort and connection to those at risk of being isolated.
When Carolyn first approached the Baltimore County Volunteer Center with her interest in making phone calls, no immediate volunteer placements came to mind. The Volunteer Center’s staff reached out to a partnering agency, AHC, and through that connection, a meaningful collaboration was formed.
AHC is one of the largest nonprofit affordable housing developers in the Washington-Baltimore region. Over its 50 years, AHC has developed a comprehensive strategy to provide high-quality living environments that help build stable and productive lives for residents of varying incomes. It currently manages 56 properties and more than 8,800 homes in the region.
In Baltimore City, AHC manages seven properties. One of these is Barclay Greenmount, which houses residents of all ages, including 11 adults ages 62 and older who live alone. The property has 139 affordable rowhome-style apartments across 80 buildings, so residents don’t always have regular social interactions. That made it the ideal location to introduce a friendly phone call program.
The program, which launched earlier this year, offers weekly outreach. Carolyn says this sense of community is important to helping older adults stay socially connected and improve their overall well-being. The calls, which are scheduled at the same agreed-upon time each week, are relaxed and meant to meet participants right where they are. Conversations range from favorite hobbies and family stories to upcoming holidays.
Currently, Carolyn talks with four participants, and each call lasts 10 to 20 minutes. She finds reward in being part of an initiative that ensures vulnerable neighbors feel safe, valued, and remembered.
Carolyn and the Volunteer Center brought initiative and patience to developing this new program for AHC residents. Whether they are talking about birthdays and grandchildren or health challenges, the participants enjoy making new connections. One participant said they love hearing a friendly voice over the phone and that it lifts their spirits. Another said the calls are an assurance they haven’t been forgotten.
AHC hopes to expand the program to other properties with older adult residents, with the support of additional volunteers.
AHC is an agency partner of the Baltimore County Volunteer Center. To learn more about this or other volunteer opportunities, contact 410-887-2715 or [email protected]. Interested in volunteering directly with AHC? Learn how you can get involved today!
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