Virginia Church Donates $1 Million to Stop 338 Families From Eviction

Alfred Street Baptist Church in Virginia raised $1 million from community donations to save 338 families from eviction. The church paid back rent for families in public housing who couldn't keep up with payments. This story shows how faith communities can step up during housing crises. Houston has over 1,200 churches and faith centers across our neighborhoods. Many already run food pantries, job training programs, and emergency assistance funds. When families face eviction, these faith communities often become the safety net that keeps people housed. In Houston, organizations like BakerRipley, SEARCH Homeless Services, and the Houston Food Bank work with local churches to prevent homelessness. Our city's diverse faith communities - from mega churches to small neighborhood congregations - have deep roots in every zip code. They know their neighbors personally and can respond quickly when crisis hits. Faith-based rental assistance already exists in Houston through groups like Catholic Charities and Interfaith Ministries. These programs help families catch up on rent before eviction notices become final. When churches and community groups work together, we create a stronger safety net for all Houston families. Housing stability affects our kids' schools, our neighborhood safety, and our local economy.

A Virginia church stepped up to help hundreds of families keep their homes. Alfred Street Baptist Church raised $1 million to pay back rent for 338 families facing eviction in Alexandria, Virginia. The crisis started when the Alexandria Redevelopment & Housing Authority lost over $1 million in unpaid rent from 445 of their 1,000 public housing units. Families owed amounts from $50 to nearly $30,000. The unpaid rent came from job market challenges, rising costs of living, and lasting effects from COVID-19. Mayor Alyia Gaskins brought the problem to the Mayor's Interfaith Council. Rev. Howard-John Wesley of Alfred Street Baptist Church answered the call. The historically Black church, serving the community since 1803, organized their congregation to donate the full amount needed. Church members raised the $1,049,000 through their annual SEEK action, a time of fasting and prayer held earlier in 2026. "Every single penny is going outside the door of the church," Wesley told his congregation. The donation will go through the nonprofit ACT for Alexandria to make sure funds reach the right families. The church and other faith groups plan to meet with each family to help them stay current on rent going forward. They will also provide food banks and job skills training. This shows how communities can work together to solve housing challenges and support our neighbors in need.