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 more than 48 faith and community organizations across Northern Virginia. VOICE members build relationships through community sessions and one-on-one relational meetings. VOICE members use shared stories and experiences to tackle local challenges and improve community well-being. St. Peter’s became a dues-paying member of VOICE in 2025. VOICE has three paid professional staff members and welcomes all members of the St. Peter’s congregation to participate.
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 community designed 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
Faith in Housing: Virginia's Faith in Housing Act, signed into law in April 2026, allows religious groups and tax-exempt nonprofits to build affordable housing on land they own without going through local rezoning. At least 60% of units must remain affordable for 30 years. The law takes effect January 1, 2027. VOICE members are meeting with Arlington County staff to help draft the local ordinances required for affordable housing developments.
VHC Wellness and Behavioral Health Facility
VOICE continues to support VHC’s proposed state-of-the art rehabilitation and behavioral health wellness facility (in partnership with Arlington County) on South Carlin Springs Road. If approved, the project will mark a decisive move in expanding mental health services for our region. In addition to adult mental health and rehabilitation services, the facility will add over 20 inpatient beds for adolescents in crisis, a much needed resource for local youth.
Afterschool Programs
In March 2026, the Arlington VOICE 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 funding for 2028 and beyond.
Kim Brewer and Diane Hazzard lead the St. Peter’s VOICE team. Learn more about VOICE here.