VOICE
a non-profit, nonpartisan coalition of 48+ faith and community organizations across Northern Virginia working to support middle-and low-income families.
What is VOICE?
VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community and Engagement), is a non-profit, nonpartisan coalition of 48+ faith and community organizations across Northern Virginia working to support middle-and low-income families. St. Peter’s became a dues-paying member of VOICE in 2025. VOICE has a paid professional staff of three.
Current Activities of Local Action Team
Melwood Affordable Housing
The Arlington VOICE Team supported the Melwood inclusive, affordable housing project at the former Nelly Custis School site in Aurora Highlands. In June, the County Board approved the project to move forward—a groundbreaking affordable, accessible housing communitydesigned with and for people with disabilities, creating 105 affordable units and 17,000 square feet of new space for Melwood's disability programs.
Faith in Housing
The Team is meeting with Arlington County staff to support a strong Faith in Housing ordinance by January 1 that fully leverages the bill's provisions. The Team will encourage staff to use this opportunity to draft an expedited approval ordinance for all affordable housing developments.
HC Wellness and Behavioral Health Facility — Carlin Springs Road
Three years ago, VOICE Arlington voted to support this facility, built on testimony from hundreds of students and parents about adolescent behavioral health needs. In addition to adult mental health and rehab services, the facility will add 24 inpatient beds for adolescents in crisis — critical, since the state often has fewer than 15 public beds available statewide. The project is now in County site plan review, with a Board vote expected this fall. VOICE leaders spoke in support at the first Site Plan Review Committee meeting. More opportunities to support the much needed facility are coming soon.
Afterschool Programs
In March, the Arlington team led a youth-organized Action at Kenmore Middle School with 500 attendees. VOICE and a coalition of allies helped win funding for free, high-quality afterschool programs for at-risk communities in FY 2026 and 2027. The “Afterschool Coalition” is now working to secure FY 2028 funding, and meets in July to finalize a plan that includes listening sessions and meetings with elected officials and education leaders.
Kim Brewer and Diane Hazzard lead the St. Peter’s VOICE team. Learn more about VOICE here.