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On August 4, more than 100 guests gathered in the Irvington neighborhood of Baltimore to celebrate a milestone filled with pride and gratitude. The event marked the completion of our $24.5 million renovation of The Residences at Irvington Woods, a 71-unit affordable housing community for low-income families and individuals experiencing homelessness.
The ribbon cutting brought together neighbors, partners, public officials, and supporters to tour the beautiful new apartments, explore the freshly renovated Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Community Center, and share in a moment that was about so much more than bricks and mortar. It was about creating a place where hope can grow, where children can feel safe, and where dreams can take root.
Distinguished speakers, including Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott, Council President Zeke Cohen, Maryland State Senator Dalya Attar, and other community leaders, spoke about the importance of coming together to meet Baltimore’s affordable housing needs and ensure that every person has a place to call home.
We are deeply grateful to the many public, private, and nonprofit partners who made this project possible: Harkins, Studio K Architecture, ResidentialOne, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, JP Morgan Chase, M&T Realty Capital Corporation, Enterprise Community Investment, Inc., The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Site Insight, Cloverhill Advisors, Klein Hornig, and Housing to Home.
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Mary Johnson, one of our longest-standing residents, has called The Residences at Irvington Woods home since 2005. A Baltimore native, Mary worked as a medical technician at Greater Baltimore Medical Center before retiring three years ago. Affordable housing has allowed her to live comfortably and age in place.
"As rent goes up, you gotta work two or three jobs. So, I think VOA has done a great job creating affordable houses." – Mary
She remembers the moment she saw her newly renovated apartment for the first time after returning from a hospital stay.
"I never seen my apartment. So, when I got out of the hospital, my sister and my brother told me 'wait till you see your place'."
| | Photo of Mary Johnson, a resident at The Residences at Irvington Woods | | |
"When I walked in, I thought I was delusional because of the medication. I had tears because I could not believe it was my place. And they really did an amazing job. I love it." – Mary
Mary’s story is a reminder that safe, stable housing changes lives. You can help us welcome more residents like Mary home with the dignity and comfort they deserve.
If you feel inspired by the work being done to house our most vulnerable Baltimoreans and would like to make a difference, we invite you to make a gift of $50 to provide a Welcome Kit filled with household essentials and hygiene products for an individual or family moving in.
| | To learn more about Irvington Woods, visit www.voachesapeake.org/irvington-woods. | | To view the full photo gallery, click the button below. | | Meet Walter Tejada – Our New Board Chair | | |
We are excited to share that Walter Tejada has been appointed as the new Chair of the VOA Chesapeake & Carolinas Board of Directors.
Walter is a lifelong advocate for opportunity and inclusion. He has served on the Arlington County Board and dedicated his career to championing causes such as affordable housing, education, and civic engagement. His leadership, vision, and commitment to strengthening communities align perfectly with our mission to inspire self-reliance, dignity, and hope.
| | Photo of Walter Tejada, Chair of the Board of Directors for VOA Chesapeake & Carolinas | | |
"I am honored to serve as Board Chair for VOA Chesapeake & Carolinas. This organization is a vital force in our communities, providing housing, health care, and opportunities for individuals and families to thrive."
I look forward to working with the Board, leadership, and staff to advance this mission and expand our reach to those who need it most." – Walter Tejada
With Walter’s guidance, we are excited for the new opportunities ahead to deepen our impact and reach more people in need of support and stability.
| | To learn more about Walter, view our press release below. | | Partner Spotlight – CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield | | |
For nearly a decade, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield has been one of our most dedicated Corporate Year of Service partners. Their generosity has touched nearly every corner of VOA Chesapeake & Carolinas, from sponsoring signature initiatives like Operation Backpack, the G.O.A.T. Youth Mental Health Expo, and Harvest for Hope, to providing grant funding for our health and human services programs, to lending their time and talent through hands-on volunteer projects.
Recently, CareFirst associates came together at our VOA Hope Center in Maryland to pack hygiene kits for individuals in our Prince George’s Supportive Housing program, a 7-unit permanent supportive housing program for families experiencing homelessness with mental illness and disabilities. These kits will help families meet basic needs and focus on building brighter futures.
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We are especially grateful to Morgan Somerville, Program Manager for Community Health & Social Impact at CareFirst, for her role in nurturing this partnership.
CareFirst’s commitment goes beyond service. It is a testament to the difference that happens when companies invest in the well-being of their neighbors.
Your company can join CareFirst and other mission-driven organizations in making a lasting difference. Learn more about becoming a Corporate Year of Service partner today by clicking the button below.
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Make a difference,
donate your vehicle!
Your old vehicle may not mean very much to you anymore. But to us, it's a goldmine! It means we can continue to serve nearly 9,800 individuals and families every year, ensuring they live in safety with social/emotional wellbeing, spiritual fulfillment, justice and hope.
Donate your vehicle by visiting https://voa.careasy.org/home or clicking the button below.
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Volunteers of America Chesapeake
& Carolinas
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Maryland, DC & Virginia
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(301) 459-2020
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