[Archived] Officials Visit Alexandria Affordable Housing Community to Highlight National Affordable Housing Crisis

­­For Immediate Release: August 24, 2021

On Friday, August 13, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge, Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08), and City of Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson visited AHC Inc. affordable housing community, The Spire, as part of a larger discussion about the nationwide affordable housing crisis.

“We are one of the wealthiest jurisdictions in the world, and certainly in America, one of the best educated, and yet there are still many people struggling and living in poverty among us,” said Beyer. “Thank goodness we are choosing as a community to use our resources to invest in housing and other services for these people.”

In Alexandria, The Spire is one of a half-dozen newly-built affordable housing developments. The City is working to meet both its Housing Master Plan target of 2,000 committed affordable rental apartments by 2025, as well as its portion of the 2030 regional housing goal set by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, which would require production or preservation of an additional 2,250 affordable and workforce level homes. While this will not meet all the affordable housing needs in the city, it represents an acceleration of Alexandria’s historical rate of affordable housing production.

After touring The Spire’s community spaces and an accessible two-bedroom unit, officials provided remarks on the project and highlighted the Biden administration’s Build Back Better Agenda. As part of this recovery initiative, the creation of two million new affordable and low-income homes is proposed, along with expanding financial resources, including private investment through the low-income housing tax credit program, to support the goal.

“Low-income and affordable housing was a problem before COVID, but it is even a bigger problem now,” observed Fudge. “There is no place in this country today where a person making minimum wage can afford to rent a two-bedroom apartment. We know, we hear, and we understand what’s happening in this country. And I want to thank everybody who had anything to do with this project.”

“It was an honor to welcome Secretary Fudge to Alexandria and have the opportunity to highlight a project that demonstrates the value of community partnerships,” added Wilson. “Affordable housing continues to be a priority for the City and is integral for the success of our community as a whole.”

The Spire opened its doors to residents this past spring, seven years after its inception. In 2014, the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection generously offered nonprofit housing developer, AHC Inc., a parcel of their property as part of their commitment to expanding housing affordability for neighbors in the Alexandria community. Located in the Beauregard neighborhood, The Spire’s 113 apartments offer affordable homes to households with incomes ranging from 40% to 60% of the area median income.

“We are so grateful that Secretary Fudge, Congressman Beyer, and Mayor Wilson came to The Spire to discuss this critical issue that affects so many in our community,” said Interim AHC CEO Susan Cunningham. “We hope projects like The Spire encourage other communities to join together to create affordable housing and pave a way forward for families in need.”

About AHC Inc.

Founded in 1975, AHC Inc. is a nonprofit developer of affordable housing that provides quality homes and education programs for low- and moderate-income families. Based in Arlington, VA, AHC has developed more than 7,500 apartment units in 50+ properties in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. AHC’s Resident Services program reaches 3,000 children, teens, adults and seniors each year through on-site education, and social service programs and activities. For more information, visit ahcinc.org.

About the City of Alexandria

Founded in 1749, the City of Alexandria is a full-service, independent city in Virginia, with a AAA/aaa credit rating and a national reputation for progressive and responsible government. With a fast-paced business environment, walkable neighborhoods and lifestyle amenities, Alexandria is a world-class destination where businesses and nonprofits choose to be. Alexandria’s ample office space and urban amenities offer room to grow – and value that is unmatched anywhere in the region. Located minutes from the nation’s capital, Alexandria’s old-world charm and cutting-edge innovation are the perfect mix for attracting a diverse community, talented workforce and enthusiastic visitors. 

Visit alexandriava.gov/Housing for information about the City’s Housing Master Plan and affordable housing resources.

For inquiries from the news media only, contact Kelly Gilfillen, Acting Director, Office of Communications and Public Information, at kelly.gilfillen@alexandriava.gov or 571.208.9001.