True Ground’s Annual Celebrate Home! Raises Funds for Resident Services, Honors Housing Leader Matt Birenbaum
ARLINGTON, VA (October 22, 2025) — On Thursday, October 23, more than 400 affordable housing partners, community leaders, and real estate professionals will gather at Capital One Hall for True Ground Housing Partners’ annual Celebrate Home! benefit. The event celebrates True Ground’s commitment to providing welcoming, affordable homes across the DC region – a foundation for families to build brighter futures.
This year’s event has raised $1 million to sustain True Ground’s Resident Services program across 24 affordable communities, home to nearly 6,000 residents. These funds directly support True Ground’s mission of creating more affordable housing and onsite programs that provide community connection, healthy food, after-school enrichment, wellness activities, and career support for thousands of children, families, and seniors.
“Celebrate Home is a moment to reflect on how we’re shaping the affordable housing landscape and recommit to providing opportunities for True Ground residents,” said Carmen Romero, President & CEO of True Ground. “Behind every dollar raised is a family reaching for their dreams. These funds help a child do extracurricular activities, help a parent cook a healthy meal, and ensure a senior has companionship or transportation. That is the real impact we’re celebrating.”
“This milestone is only possible because of our partners’ and supporters’ generosity,” said Garrett Jackson, Vice President of Philanthropy and Communications. “Our donor community shares our vision – that everyone deserves a place to call home. Their commitment gives us the strength to keep growing and serving more residents every year.”
Honoring Matt Birenbaum
This year, True Ground will honor Matt Birenbaum, Chief Investment Officer of AvalonBay Communities and former Chair of the True Ground Board of Directors, with the 2025 Celebrate Home Affordable Housing Award. Birenbaum has been a champion for housing access and community development throughout his career. At True Ground, his leadership helped guide the organization through expansion into new jurisdictions, challenges during the pandemic, and major development milestones. Most importantly, he prioritized partnership with residents throughout True Ground’s strategic growth.
“Matt has been a steady hand and a true partner,” said Romero. “His leadership and vision helped us expand our footprint and strengthen our programs, but what sets Matt apart is how deeply he believes in the residents we serve. He has always understood that affordable housing provides families a chance to thrive.”
Matt Birenbaum expressed, “True Ground does amazing work that has incredible impact across the region providing badly needed housing and supportive services for those in need, and I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition and to be able to contribute to advancing their mission. I look forward to celebrating their progress with so many supporters on October 23.”
True Ground’s donor community fuels our certified programs and provides housing stability for so many. As households balance expenses and uncertain circumstances, your philanthropic support makes a significant difference. Join our mission by making a gift today: truegroundhousing.org/ways-to-give
Celebrate Home! 2025
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Time: 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: Capital One Hall, Tysons, VA
Tickets & Sponsorships: Available online at this link
About True Ground Housing Partners
True Ground is a nonprofit affordable housing developer, enabling diverse families to imagine hopeful futures, even in one of the nation’s highest cost markets. At True Ground, we believe that hope, like a home, needs nurturing and care. With housing access becoming harder than ever, we’re dedicated to building hope and opportunities for those feeling left out. We are committed community builders, breaking down barriers and providing the support needed to turn aspirations into secure, comfortable apartment homes. We are not just building homes; we are changing the landscape for affordable housing, ensuring that everyone can live in a safe and welcoming community. True Ground was named one of the nation’s Top 50 Affordable Housing Developers of 2023 by Affordable Housing Finance, one of only a dozen nonprofits to make the list. Visit www.truegroundhousing.org to learn more.
