The GSH Blog
Housing Insecurity and College
The gap between the costs of college (with living expenses) and the financial resources of the student to attend college grew 23 percent from 2012 to 2016.
Home for the Holidays
For better or for worse. Unfortunately for Sam, her husband decided to not stick around through the "for worse". Sam is a teacher in Northern Virginia, but when her husband left and refused to support his children financially, she found herself stuck in a position...
First Annual Trunk or Treat a Sweet Success!
Thanks to First AME of Alexandria and Quantum Property Management for all their participation in our Trunk or Treat event. A special thanks, too, to Carvana and Capital One for their support of the event. These supporters, and many others, made our...
From Foreclosure to Stability
The 2008-2009 recession and the ensuing housing crisis was a challenge for many families in our community. Ms. Kenneth was no different. A mom of three, she lost her job like many others did in 2009. Depleting her savings, she tried to sell the home they owned, but with a loss of market value and a glut of properties, she had no takers. Sadly, she had to give the house back to the bank.
Sunday Cleanup
by David Levine, President/CEO Thanks to our friends from Calvary Presbyterian Church for cleaning up part of Colchester Towne. With much energy, enthusiasm and warm gloves, the Calvary Church group jumped right in to the task this past Sunday. In no time, they...
Home Is Where the Heart Is
At GSH, we see many residents first come to us without any hope. They have lost their housing for any number of reasons. We then give them hope, starting with an affordable housing unit. We also step in with case management support, referrals (employment, work...
The Gap in Affordable Housing
by David Levine, President/CEO An affordable housing advocacy for over forty years, the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) has been tracking the gap between the supply and demand for affordable housing units nationwide for many of those years. In its 2018...
Thoughts on the Power of Giving
by Candice Bennett, Director of Development, and Emily Cooksey, Board Member On Thursday, we had the opportunity to attend a special presentation at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History (NMAH) on The Power of Giving with a focus on culture and the...
The Linkage Between Housing Instability and Poor Health
by David Levine, President/CEO The connection between safe and suitable housing and strong health outcomes has been well documented. Once securely housed, families can turn their attention to other basic human needs. As one example, it might mean that the school-aged...
Not in My Neighborhood
by David Levine, President/CEO In a New York Times article this week, the author points out the growing demographic and socio-economic uniformity of neighborhoods. The "Not in My Backyard" (NIMBY) attitude is still alive and well and has dampened affordable...