COMMUNITY LODGINGS INC
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Mission Statement
Community Lodgings' (CLI) mission is to lift Alexandria families from homelessness and instability to independence and self-sufficiency through Transitional Housing, Affordable Housing, and Youth Education Programs.
About This Cause
CLI lifts Alexandria children and families from homelessness and instability to independence and self-sufficiency in three specific ways - Transitional Housing Program, Affordable Housing, and Youth Education Programs. The organization is unique in that it owns 45 apartment units in five buildings, which includes 40 Affordable Housing units and 5 Transitional Housing units. Families lease apartments and pay monthly rent at rates that are 50-60% of the current market rate. Transitional Housing families pay monthly rent at 30-50% of the market rate. This helps to loosen the pinch on other living costs, such as food, transportation, clothing and shoes, and basic necessities. Since 1987, CLI has given families in the community the keys to a better life. Our diverse staff includes 70% bilingual staff, speaking Spanish and English, as the community and those we serve are primarily LatinX. CLI’s Executive Director is an African-American woman and all staff have a strong connection to the work and commitment to opening doors to equitable housing solutions for economically marginalized families. Daily, we address housing, education, and food insecurity for families who are hardworking, low-wage earners. Every year, our programs and services impact a minimum of 5 families in our two-year Transitional Housing Program,150 people in the Affordable Housing Program, up to 125 students in our Youth Education Program, and nearly 1,000 people around the Arlandria-Chirilagua neighborhood in Alexandria, VA. Many families in our affordable housing units have resided with Community Lodgings for twenty years or more because of the high cost of housing in and around Alexandria and the Washington, DC region. Each year, there is a recertification process where residents must present their pay stubs which demonstrates their need for affordable housing. 98% of resident families are working - and that is just one job. Many have two jobs, and several have three, and yet, they still cannot afford market rate rent, which for a one-bedroom apartment averages $2,000 per month in Alexandria, VA. Because CLI owns the property, we are able to lease a one-bedroom apartment for as low as $1,050 (based on household income). This reduced amount helps loosen family budgets so that they can afford other basic necessities, including food. With escalating prices for food, transportation, clothes, etc., purchasing nutritious food, gas for a vehicle, shoes for children, etc. can still be out of reach for a small or large family. The Transitional Housing Program follows a two-year proven strategy that helps families move from homelessness into safe, stable housing. Two of our five units are fully dedicated to families who are survivors of domestic violence. All Transitional Housing families participate in this program which stabilizes and guides them toward the path to independence, thereby reducing the recidivism rate. For example, one client completed the Transitional Housing Program last December having saved $12,000 in two years. She used part of it as a down payment for a home! Two years prior, she was homeless. Another client, who is a single Father with three sons, successfully graduated from our Transitional Housing Program and they are now living independently. Students in our Youth Education Program are enrolled in 1st through 12th grades in Alexandria City Public Schools. This structured, out-of-school time, educational program includes academic enrichment activities, Little Friends of Peace Club, Spitfire Book Club, tutoring and mentoring, as well as hot meals and snacks Monday through Friday during the school year and our 6-week summer camp. Our program staff work diligently every day to ensure students are prepared to succeed academically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially through the school year and summer. Summer camp is critical for our students, as our program staff continue to reinforce educational concepts such as literacy, math, and comprehension which prevent ‘summer slide’. Our Youth Education Program is intrinsically important to this community, as while parents are working each day, they know their children are in a safe, learning environment in the community where they live. Our summer program has a bonus impact of keeping students engaged and away from negative influences, online distractions, and potentially harmful activities. Hear about our impact from our students. Maya*: "I like summer camp because we do a lot of fun things, and we go on field trips...I learn more in summer camp." Maya recently immigrated and lives with her Aunt, who she now calls Mom, after losing her Mom in her home country of Honduras. Juan* shared, "I like summer camp because we go on field trips and go outside with Coach M.* (where they receive swimming lessons and play sports). We also have education that helps us so we don't have to stay at home, crammed into a house." Eduardo* is a curious 9 year old who loves maps, flags and dragons. He asked our staff to print out flags and geography work that he can take home. Every day, he asks to stay after camp. We asked him why he likes camp, and learned that in our program he is actively engaged doing things he enjoys. Otherwise, he would "be bored" at home. Parents have shared: “My child fell in love with math”. “My daughter is not so shy anymore and loves the summer program. They go outside to learn about nature.” *All names have been changed.