Affordable Housing Initiative
Introduction
SOME was founded in 1970, from a simple act of kindness. Fr. Horace McKenna, S.J. started a lunch line at North Capitol and K streets, handing out leftover sandwiches to those in need. Out of those cold sandwiches and soup grew SOME as we know it today–an interfaith organization with a comprehensive collection of services to help vulnerable people break the cycle of homelessness and poverty.
In 1989, SOME opened our first affordable housing program, Shalom House, for 92 formerly homeless men and women. SOME continues to address the dire need for safe and affordable housing in the District through our Affordable Housing Initiative. In 2005 we set a goal of creating 1,000 units of affordable housing because we know that housing is the solution to homelessness. Today, we are proud that our overall housing portfolio consists of 1,340 units, (i) in operation, (ii) under construction, or (iii) in pre-development for families and single adults.
Strategic Plan
Our FY22-26 Board Approved Strategic Plan includes purposeful growth in our affordable housing portfolio:
- Expand from 1,340 to 2,000 units by 2026; and
- Continue focusing on resident at lowest income spectrum (i.e., individuals and families at 0% to 30% of FMI) and explore how future portfolio may reflect a broader mix of resident incomes, including those making up to 80% of FMI, and families that have progressed through our Accelerated Housing Program, SOME’s pathway to home ownership; and
- Expand our portfolio of affordable properties in Wards that the Mayor has prioritized for affordable development, including wards 3, 4, and 5.
We want to recognize the extraordinary help we have received from the City, the Mayor, the City Council, the Federal Government, our governing and advisory boards, donors, funders, investors, and lenders that have made it possible to open or be developing the following properties throughout the District (hyperlink to the Housing Mapping Document).
While SOME prides itself on creating safe and dignified housing, we know that a stable roof over one’s head is only the beginning. That is why all our housing programs incorporate comprehensive wrap-around services for our residents. . It is our hope that this combination of housing and services will provide greater pathways to economic advancement, personal growth, and a chance at a better life.
The Conway Center
SOME’s Conway Center, at 4430 Benning Road NE, is our most innovative project dedicated to creating opportunities and pathways to success for our community. The Conway Center, located directly across from the Benning Road Metro Station, is in the heart of the Benning Heights neighborhood and is the first facility in the District to combine affordable housing, job training, and healthcare in a single location.
The seven-story LEED-certified building features 30 units of Affordable Housing for families and 152 units for single adults, including 16 units designated for seniors; Job Training for 300 low-income job seekers, annually, at SOME’s Center for Employment Training (SOME CET); and Healthcare for 10,000 patients each year through a partnership with Unity Health Care.
We gratefully acknowledge the more than 1,000 donors who gave generously to the $20 million Building Hope Capital Campaign chaired by William Conway, Jr., as well as our other partners, investors, lenders, and volunteers whose support was critical to the development of the Conway Center.
Housing in Development
SOME is currently developing 131 units for single adults on N. Capitol and redeveloping a 40-unit site in Ward 4 for single adults and families. Both are on track to open in 2023. You can support SOME’s Affordable Housing Initiative by donating or by becoming a corporate partner.