A VA Black Mega Church Donated $1 Million to Keep Local Residents in Their Homes

During a time when Black Americans are facing financial hardships and political stress, one church in Virginia is taking a big step to support communities in need.

In a stunning partnership with the mayor of Alexandria, Alfred Street Baptist Church has stepped up and paid off debts for hundreds of public housing residents. The historically Black church has ties to the community dating back to 1803, so when they received a call from Mayor Alyia Gaskins following an alarming report from the city’s Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA), they knew they had to get involved.

ARHA reportedly lost more than $1 million in unpaid rent from 445 of 1,000 public housing units, according to NBC Washington. ARHA cited job market challenges, the rising cost of living and lingering economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic for the drastic deficit. Still, Mayor Gaskins knew something more could be done.

“I was curious how much did people owe and I learned it was everything from $50 to some owing close to $30,000,” Gaskins told NBC. “My concern was what happens next.”

In Virginia, 9.7% of residents lived below the poverty line in 2024, according to USA Facts. Given that nearly half of ARHA housing residents had some form of debt on their accounts, they could face eviction and possible homelessness. So, Mayor Gaskins called on community leaders, including Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, to help address the greater issues and get the residents of her city the help they need.

“This is about more than clearing balances — it’s about creating pathways to stability,” Gaskins wrote in a statement to WJLA. “Housing affordability continues to be one of the most pressing challenges facing our city.”

Alfred Street Baptist Church has a long history of donating to those in need. Most notably, the church gifted over $130,000 to clear college balances for 11 graduates at Saint Augustine’s University last year, Christian Post previously reported.

“Through the Interfaith Council, we are harnessing the moral leadership and generosity of our faith community to prevent displacement while also investing in financial literacy and long-term economic security,” Mayor Gaskins continued to WJLA.

On Easter Sunday, Rev. Wesley told his congregation that the local partnership with the mayor has raised more than $1 million.

“It is my joy to share with you that after doing the audits and the ledgers and speaking with all the families and verifying debt, I want to let you know that with that SEEK offering, you have helped stop the eviction of 338 families to the cost of $1,049,000,” he said, according to Christian Post.

“I just wish somebody [could] give thanks to God for a black Baptist church that gave a million dollars to make certain that people did not lose their homes,” he added. “To God be the glory; to God be the glory.”

While the mayor says future rent payments are still required, families can now start fresh and reduce some stress, and Rev. Wesley agreed

“Our hope is that this moment becomes a new beginning — not just financially, but for the long-term stability and well-being of families throughout our city,” Rev. Wesley told the congregation.