Local Jurisdictions Take Actions On Wesley Housing Affordable Housing Communities

149 Units Across Two Communities Will Serve Individuals Who are Chronically Homeless and Older Adults 

Leading nonprofit affordable housing developer Wesley Housing announced major development updates for two affordable housing communities that highlight the essential nature of nonprofit, interjurisdictional, and faith-based partnerships in the development community.

First, in keeping with its philosophy that affordable housing is a continuum ranging from the needs of people who are homeless to first-time homebuyers, Fairfax County authorized a $5.6M commitment of Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority Funds for the Wesley-Lamb Center Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Community. On the former site of the Hy-Way Motel (9640 Fairfax Blvd.), the new five-story residential/mixed-use development will contain 54 apartments serving residents with very low incomes, at or below 30% of the Area Median Income and an employment center on the ground floor of the building. In addition, on February 14th, the Fairfax City Council approved a $700K investment from the City of Fairfax Housing Trust Fund. The funding commitments follow Fairfax City Council unanimously approving a Special Use Permit to redevelop the site in December 2022.

The financial commitments from both Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax are essential to finance this permanent supportive housing community. The funding allows the development team to maximize the LIHTC application subsidized funding points for a 9% tax credit allocation.

“With so many organizations competing for tax credits, it’s vitally important to enter the allocation cycle with several commitments on the table,” said Wesley Housing President/CEO, Kamilah McAfee. “The dual obligation demonstrates strong cross-jurisdictional support for the development and the local governments’ commitment to address the existing and growing demand to create permanent supportive housing for individuals most in need,” added McAfee.

Wesley Housing, in partnership with First Christian Church of Falls Church, also secured zoning entitlements during the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting on February 21st to construct 95 affordable units of independent senior living on the land immediately adjacent to the Church (6165 Leesburg Pike). In addition to the housing units, the building will include commercial space for a 5,000 sq. ft. free health clinic that will provide access to primary care for older adults with low-income living at the property and throughout the surrounding neighborhood at little to no cost. The development will be the first affordable housing community developed through a faith-based partnership in Fairfax County.

Having received entitlements, the development team will focus on identifying financing sources, while also remaining actively engaged with surrounding neighbors and partners about the new community. Partnerships are essential in affordable housing development because they provide access to funding, expertise, land, collaboration with community members, and political support. Working together, partnerships such as these create more sustainable and successful affordable housing communities that benefit the greater community.

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