Community Lodgings

There’s a reason the Catalogue for Philanthropy recognizes us as “one of the best small charities in the Greater Washington region.” With a trusted staff, some who are bilingual, committed volunteers and quality services, we support more than 300 low-income individuals every week. By offering affordable housing, a vibrant Youth Education Program, and adult enrichment workshops, we help families in Arlandria, the neighborhood we serve in Alexandria, build the foundation for a better life. 

Arlandria has been designated as one of Northern Virginia’s 15 “’islands of disadvantage’. . . where people face multiple, serious challenges, interspersed among the region’s wealthy communities” (NOVA Health Foundation 2017). Basic needs such as clean, safe and affordable housing along with adequate educational attainment and economic security rank high among the challenges Arlandria faces.  Community Lodgings offers 39 affordable housing units and outreach services for working poor, predominantly Latino families. Residents nicknamed their neighborhood “Chirilagua”, after a town in El Salvador where many in the community were born. Chirilagua is a close-knit, culturally cohesive community where individuals find strength in living side-by-side with neighbors they know well.  Additionally, we provide six families coming directly from crisis situations with the housing and supportive services necessary to transition to self-sufficiency and permanent housing within 24 months.  Moreover, we support the next generation with critical youth education programs including out of school time homework assistance and enrichment, summer camps, and mentoring programs designed to help them use education to break the cycle of poverty.

For over 33 years, Community Lodgings has been helping “Chrirlagua” thrive!