Virginia Church Erases Over $1 Million in Debt for 338 Families Facing Eviction

Pastor's Easter Sunday announcement provides life-changing relief to local public housing residents

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:19pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph showing a family gathered together in a warm, softly lit living room, celebrating Easter with joy and togetherness.A church's Easter gift of debt relief offers a fresh start for families facing eviction.Alexandria Today

On Easter Sunday, Rev. Howard-John Wesley of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia announced that the congregation had raised over $1 million to pay off housing debt for 338 families in local public housing, effectively stopping their evictions. The donation was made possible through the church's annual SEEK initiative, a period of fasting, prayer and collective giving, and was directed toward the Fresh Start Initiative, a local program designed to help families regain stability and avoid displacement.

Why it matters

The gesture underscores the church's mission to extend its impact beyond the sanctuary and into the community, offering not just spiritual encouragement, but tangible support at a critical moment for families on the brink of losing their homes. The predominantly African American congregation's actions highlight the role faith-based organizations can play in addressing housing insecurity and preventing displacement, especially in underserved communities.

The details

Rev. Wesley told the congregation on Easter Sunday that the $1,049,000 donation would pay off the housing debt for 338 families in local public housing, stopping their impending evictions. The church worked closely with local partners to audit and verify each family's debt before distributing the funds, ensuring the assistance reached those most in need.

  • The announcement was made on Easter Sunday 2026.

The players

Rev. Howard-John Wesley

The pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia who announced the $1 million donation to pay off housing debt for local families.

Alfred Street Baptist Church

A historic, predominantly African American congregation in Alexandria, Virginia that raised over $1 million through its annual SEEK initiative to provide debt relief and prevent evictions for 338 local families.

Fresh Start Initiative

A local program in Alexandria designed to help families in public housing regain stability and avoid displacement, which received the church's donation.

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What they’re saying

“We pray that the Lord would not only change our lives, But that God will also change our land.”

— Rev. Howard-John Wesley, Pastor, Alfred Street Baptist Church

The takeaway

This act of generosity and community support from Alfred Street Baptist Church demonstrates the powerful role faith-based organizations can play in addressing housing insecurity and preventing displacement, especially for underserved populations. The church's commitment to using its resources to directly improve the lives of local families is an inspiring example of putting faith into tangible action.