Background:

Mr. Chairman and colleagues, Fellowship Square is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year.

This affordable housing foundation was founded in November 1960 by Dr. John A. Scherzer, a pastor and member of the Lutheran Lay Fellowship of Metropolitan Washington. He aspired to ensure that vulnerable seniors had access to safe and affordable housing.

Thanks to his vision, we have vital affordable housing for older adults in Reston. Fellowship Square welcomed its first residents to Lake Anne Fellowship House in Reston in 1971, followed by the opening of Lake Anne II Fellowship House just five years later.

Over the next decade, the nonprofit continued to expand, opening the Hunters Woods Fellowship House in 1979 followed by two other communities in Virginia and Maryland.

Today, Fellowship Square’s four communities provide 670 affordable apartments for more than 800 seniors, aged 62-plus, who live on extremely limited fixed incomes. This includes the 240 units at Lake Anne House and 224 units at Hunters Woods.

Recognizing Fellowship Square’s critical role in providing affordable housing, Fairfax County assisted in the redevelopment of the Lake Anne House more than two years ago. The county helped to fund the project with a $3 million loan, as well as project-based vouchers. In addition to new modern apartments, the building provides many amenities, including a fitness center, arts and crafts room, social hall, wellness clinic and more.

The nonprofit also undertook a major renovation of Hunters Woods Fellowship House which was completed two years ago. The improvements included a new wellness center, fitness center and theatre room.

As part of its mission, Fellowship Square provides more than just affordable housing. It also offers its residents supportive services and programs to help them lead engaged, richer, more satisfying lives.

Motion:

Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I ask without objection that the Office of Public Affairs prepare a resolution to celebrate Fellowship Square’s 65th anniversary to be presented out of the Board room on May 29.