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Learning is the first step in working toward equitable housing for all. Please take time to learn more about the housing crisis we’re experiencing in our local communities and nationwide.

What is Affordable Housing?

Affordable housing refers to housing that is accessible to low- and moderate-income households. In the context of True Ground, “committed affordable” units are those with income-restricted rents for an extended period, typically 30-75 years. These units are generally available to households earning at or below 60 percent of Area Median Income (AMI)—which, as of May 2023, is $90,420 for a family of four in Arlington.

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Why is Affordable Housing Important?

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Community

Ensuring sufficient housing for all income levels supports the economic, cultural, and demographic diversity that our community values. Affordable housing allows for a mix of residents from different backgrounds, enriching the social fabric of communities.

Economy

Businesses and workers benefit when employees find affordable and stable places to live near their jobs. Affordable housing reduces employee turnover and enhances productivity by providing stable living conditions.

Success

Affordable housing helps sustain the diversity of schools, allowing families and children to thrive. Stability in housing contributes to better educational outcomes and overall family well-being.

Environment

Enabling more people to live near their workplaces reduces commutes, which contributes to a cleaner environment. Shorter commutes reduce traffic congestion and lower emissions, promoting environmental sustainability.

Health

Living in good quality, stable, affordable housing reduces stress
and improves wellness. Affordable housing can also provide a stable foundation for individuals and families, leading to better mental and physical health outcomes.

Types of Affordable Housing

Market Affordable
Housing (MARKS)

“Market-rate affordable” refers to privately owned units with rents affordable to households making up to 80 percent of AMI. These units are not income-restricted, so affordability fluctuates with the market. These are sometimes called Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH).

MARKS units are often categorized by their affordability level. For example, “80 percent MARKS” are units affordable to households earning 61-80 percent of AMI, while “60 percent MARKS” are units affordable to households earning 60 percent of AMI or less.

Committed Affordable
Units (CAFs)

“Committed affordable” means the unit has income-restricted rents for an extended period, typically 30-75 years, and is generally available for households earning at or below 60 percent of AMI.”

In Arlington, CAFs are often developed by nonprofits with financial assistance from the County’s Affordable Housing Investment Fund (AHIF). AHIF is a low-interest, revolving loan repaid and reinvested into the community. Nonprofits managing CAF units in Arlington include AHC Inc., True Ground, Wesley Housing, the Arlington Retirement Housing Corporation (Culpepper Garden), and Enterprise.

Housing Indicator Tool

Track local housing production and preservation efforts across the Capital Region. Discover actionable insights to advocate for change and support housing stability in your community. Take the first step towards making a difference: Access the data, engage decision-makers, and drive meaningful progress.

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Understanding Racial Inequity in Housing

Understanding racial inequity in housing means looking at the systemic barriers that have marginalized communities of color. Practices like redlining, restrictive deeds, and discriminatory lending have led to ongoing segregation and unequal housing access. In Arlington, these issues are clear: restrictive policies and economic pressures have significantly reduced the Black population over the years. Affordable housing for median-income Black households is scarce, while median-income white households find most neighborhoods accessible, highlighting persistent inequities.

Arlington’s situation reflects the broader national struggle with racial housing inequity. Despite a more diverse population, zoning laws and housing policies still enforce segregation. Addressing these disparities is crucial as Arlington updates its Affordable Housing Master Plan and considers new zoning measures. The events of 2020, which brought systemic racism to the forefront, emphasize the urgency of this mission. True Ground is committed to fostering a community where everyone, regardless of race or income, can find an affordable home and thrive.

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Donate

Your donation transforms lives by providing safe and affordable housing solutions to families in need.

Donate
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Volunteer

Make a direct impact by volunteering your time and skills to support our mission of housing access.

Volunteer
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Take Action

Advocate for change and advocate for affordable housing policies that matter.

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True Ground is a nonprofit real estate developer that owns and preserves affordable residential housing throughout Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland.

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True Ground does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, handicap or age in any of its activities or operations.

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True Ground is a 501(c)3 registered nonprofit | EIN 54-1515133
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