Wesley Housing's 50th Anniversary

Anniversary Announcement

Read full the announcement here.

 

Our History

In 1974, a groundbreaking study sponsored by the United Methodist Church in Northern Virginia revealed the staggering number of families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities who were earning below average incomes and thus had few or no viable options for decent, affordable housing. Inspired by the study’s findings for this pressing need, Virginia Peters, a retired schoolteacher, and co-chair of the Housing Task Force, spearheaded the establishment of Wesley Housing as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Peters’ visionary leadership laid the groundwork for an enduring legacy of transformative impact throughout the region.

 

Logo

In celebration of this historic year for Wesley Housing, a commemorative logo was created, consisting of the Wesley Housing logo and a 50th anniversary block extension.

 

At the core of Wesley Housing’s 50th anniversary design is the unbounded “50,” representing Wesley’s flexibility and openness to change as it continues to evolve over the decades. The bottom portion of the “50” shines in Wesley orange, symbolizing sunshine, joy, and hope, reflecting on our dedication to providing vibrant and uplifting communities. The top of the “50” showcases the Wesley turquoise, a color of calmness and serenity, embodying the peaceful environments we strive to create for our residents. Beneath the “50,” the word “anniversary” grounds the logo in Wesley blue, reminding us of our steadfast commitment and the founding principles that have led us to this milestone.

 

Theme

“Celebrating the Legacy of Our Past, Inspiring Hope for Our Future” 

 

This message serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact the organization has had on countless lives over the last 50 years, as well as the aspirations of the individuals and families who call a Wesley Housing community home. It speaks to the resilience of Wesley’s residents, whose past circumstances have shaped their journey, whose future hopes are intrinsically woven into the fabric of our communities, and the organization’s staunch commitment to its mission for many years to come.

 

Monthly Initiatives

Wesley Housing will spotlight historic development accomplishments, leadership legends, program highlights and will host engagement events for community residents over the period.  Plans for an anniversary celebration this fall are also underway.

 

• July: Summer Learning Loss Prevention
• August: Inclusivity
• September: Economic Mobility
• October: Digital Equity
• November: Health and Wellness

 

If you’re interested in collaborating with Wesley Housing to help celebrate this milestone, please contact [email protected].

 

Help Us Celebrate!

Sponsor our 50th Anniversary Celebration

Your sponsorship will commemorate years of community collaboration and honor our ongoing efforts to make our region a safe, affordable, welcoming home for all. Contact Cristina Wood, Fundraising Manager, at [email protected] to learn more.

 

Join our celebrations on social media.

Like and follow Wesley Housing on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).

Be an advocate for Wesley Housing by becoming an ambassador on social media. Your voice and influence can help us reach new audiences and expand our impact. Share our posts and engage with our content to spread awareness about our mission and achievements within your own networks.

 

Engage with Wesley Housing’s posts:

Like, comment, and share our posts to spread the word.

• Tip: Add a personal touch! When sharing, include a personal message about why Wesley Housing’s mission matters to you.

 

Message Ideas:

• Message 1: “Happy 50th Anniversary to @WesleyHousing! For five decades, they’ve been providing healthy, inclusive, stable affordable housing communities for individuals and families throughout the DC metro region. #WesleyHousing50”
• Message 2: “Here’s to 50 years of @WesleyHousing creating quality affordable housing and building up lives! Excited to see what the future holds. #WesleyHousing50”
• Message 3: “Join me in celebrating @WesleyHousing’s 50th anniversary! Their commitment to providing healthy, inclusive, stable affordable housing inspires hope for our communities. #WesleyHousing50”
• Message 4: “I’m proud to support Wesley Housing, a nonprofit affordable housing developer that is empowering residents to break the cycle of poverty and reducing deep racial inequities throughout the region. Happy 50th anniversary! #WesleyHousing50”

 

Use Our Anniversary Hashtag #WesleyHousing50: Amplify our reach by using the hashtag #WesleyHousing50 in your posts to connect with our community.

 

Content Ideas:

Highlight our mission: Share stories or memories that show how Wesley Housing has impacted lives.

 

Share Your Stories: Post about your experiences or why you support Wesley Housing. Include photos or videos to make it more engaging.

• Example: “Celebrating 50 years of community building with @WesleyHousing! I’ve seen firsthand how they build up lives. #WesleyHousing50”

 

Create a Photo or Video Tribute: Post a photo or video message congratulating Wesley Housing on 50 years.

• Example: “Congratulations to @WesleyHousing on 50 years of service! Here’s to many more years of building up communities. #WesleyHousing50”

 

Invite friends to donate: Start a social media fundraiser or donation drive in honor of our 50th anniversary. For assistance, please contact [email protected].

• Example: “In honor of @WesleyHousing’s 50th anniversary, I’m donating to support their mission of creating and operating healthy, inclusive, stable, affordable housing communities, so they can continue building up lives for decades to come. Join me in making a difference! #WesleyHousing50”

 

Share Our Monthly Initiatives:

Spotlight Monthly Themes: Each month, highlight our initiatives by posting about the themes Wesley Housing is focusing on. Share your thoughts, experiences, or why these themes are important to you. Each month, we’ll post content ideas related to our monthly focus areas, here:

• Example for July: “Summer learning loss can set kids back. That’s why I’m supporting @WesleyHousing’s Summer Learning Loss Prevention programs. #WesleyHousing50”
• Example for November: “Health and wellness are crucial for thriving communities. Proud to support @WesleyHousing in promoting the well-being of all residents. #WesleyHousing50”

 

Thank You for Your Support

Your support and engagement mean the world to us. Every like, share, and comment will help spread the word about Wesley Housing’s mission and achievements, enhancing our capacity to build up lives. Let’s make this anniversary year memorable together!