Black megachurch donates over $1M to stop evictions of over 300 families in public housing
A historic, predominantly African American megachurch in Virginia has donated more than $1 million to help pay off the debts of over 300 families in local public housing.
Alfred Street Baptist Church of Alexandria raised the sum as part of their annual SEEK action, which involves congregants engaging in a time of fasting and prayer held earlier this year.
The Rev. Howard-John Wesley told his congregation on Easter Sunday that “we pray that the Lord would not only change our lives,” but that “God will also change our land.”
Wesley talked about the recently launched Fresh Start Initiative, a local effort to help those in public housing, and about how Alfred Street Baptist is participating “to clear the debt of some families who are about to be evicted from affordable housing in Alexandria.”
“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 announced.
“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. To God be the glory; to God be the glory.”
Last month, Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins highlighted the efforts of Alfred Street Baptist and the congregation's donation, which came following a report from the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority revealing that they had lost $1 million in unpaid rent over their public housing units due to factors like rising cost of living and challenges in the local job market.
“This is about more than clearing balances — it’s about creating pathways to stability,” said Gaskins in a statement, according to ABC 7 News. “Housing affordability continues to be one of the most pressing challenges facing our city.”
“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.”
Founded in 1803, Alfred Street Baptist Church has 10,000 members and is known for periodically donating large sums to charitable causes, including last year, when the church donated $132,469 to eliminate the college debt for 11 graduates of the South Carolina-based Saint Augustine’s University.
