Melwood to Receive $500K in Congressional Funding for Arlington Inclusive Housing Community

March 18, 2024

Award helps lead way for 100+ units of affordable, accessible housing for people with and without disabilities

Upper Marlboro, Md. – Melwood, a leading employer, advocate and service provider for people with disabilities is pleased to share it will receive $500,000 in congressionally directed funding to convert one of Melwood’s existing properties into affordable and inclusive housing. Melwood recently announced it is collaborating with leading nonprofit affordable housing developer Wesley Housing to create over 100 new units of affordable housing, as well as space for on-site programs and services for people with disabilities, responding to a critical need in Arlington County, Virginia.

“We are so grateful Congress is recognizing the need for affordable, accessible, and inclusive housing in Arlington,” said Larysa Kautz, President and CEO of Melwood. “I want to especially thank Rep. Don Beyer (Va.-8) and Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine for championing and securing the congressional funds for this critical project to make Arlington a better home for people with disabilities.”

“I am pleased to have secured funding for this important project that provides inclusive and affordable housing. I thank Senators Warner and Kaine for their leadership in this area and commend Melwood for the outstanding services it provides throughout our community,” said Congressman Beyer.

“I’m proud to have helped secure $500,000 in federal funding for Melwood to create 100 units of affordable housing, almost a third of which will be designed and reserved for folks with disabilities,” said Senator Warner. “The dual crisis of the lack of affordable and accessible housing is putting a disproportionate burden on disabled Arlington residents, and I’m glad to be able to continue my support of Melwood as they take steps to address this crisis while promoting accessibility and inclusion.”

“I’m thrilled to have secured $500,000 in federal funding for Melwood to create affordable and accessible housing in Arlington,” said Senator Kaine. “I’m especially glad that many of these units will support people with disabilities and am grateful for Melwood’s tireless efforts to advocate for and change the lives of disabled Virginians.”

The development community will bring transformative hope to the region, offering affordable homes to households averaging 60% of the area median income, with some units set aside for individuals and families with very low incomes, and with up to 30 units specifically designed and held with a priority preference for people with disabilities. The community will also help preserve and meet the increasing demand for transit-oriented affordable housing in one of Arlington’s most populated areas.

For more information about the development project, please visit: https://melwood.org/arlington-property-redevelopment/.

About Melwood: Melwood is one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in the country, employing more than 1,400 workers – over 750 of whom are people with disabilities. Melwood offers job placement, job training, life skills for independence, and support services to more than 3,000 people each year in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Melwood also has an inclusive summer camp program for children and provides additional youth and community recreational services for individuals with disabilities. For more information, visit www.Melwood.org.

About Wesley Housing: Wesley Housing, a leading nonprofit developer in Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia, has worked to provide affordable rental housing for individuals and families for 50 years. Since its founding, Wesley Housing has emerged as a premier developer of affordable housing. Wesley Housing has acquired or developed over 2,900 rental units, providing quality housing for thousands of at-risk individuals and families each year. Wesley Housing supplements housing with supportive services to build up the lives of its residents, including low- and moderate-income families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities and/or chronic disease. For more information, please visit www.wesleyhousing.org and follow @WesleyHousing on social media.