Preserving affordable housing
Chisom was founded in 2003 by a group of individuals dedicated to preserving affordable housing and providing supportive services to their residents. Chisom aims to support and assist individuals in and transitioning out of affordable housing towards financial independence. We focus on education, financial literacy, workforce development, reducing food insecurity, and promotion of community connections.
We focus on:
Board and Staff
Chisom is led by a seven-member Board of Directors including a resident member. Our Directors have extensive affordable housing and real estate development experience and are guided by a desire to act in service to these communities.
Chisom is based in Washington, DC and operates under the Executive Director, Ms. Sarah Bagley who has led the organization since 2015. Ms. Bagley is an active participant in developing and implementing service programs and community outreach. She can be reached at sbagley@chisomhousing.org or 202-422-0947.
Our Portfolio
Chisom’s portfolio includes 1,400 apartments in 21 affordable housing communities in 12 states. This includes eight properties limited to seniors and disabled residents. Our portfolio consists entirely of communities that were built prior to our ownership, often in the 1970’s and 1980’s and have been preserved through rehabilitation and renovation projects.
HOW WE WORK
Chisom works in tandem with the community managers on-site to learn more about resident needs. Using that information, Chisom develop programs and partnerships with local agencies and non-profit organizations.
Through grant awards, Chisom employs select service coordinators to work on-site with our senior residents.
These coordinators arrange health care presentations, plan community events and engage the residents.
Chisom performs much of its work through relationships with local partners who provide social services and programs to community members. Community partners include the YMCA, United Way, local and national food banks, local and national health care providers, and faith-based organizations.
A few of our services
Take a look at some highlights of services that we provide to residents of our communities.
Chisom has connected residents-- including seniors, individuals with disabilities and families-- with local food pantries delivering crucial fruits, vegetables, meat, and commodities. Chisom has also arranged for onsite summer meal programs for students at multiple locations around the country.
Our seniors benefit from many social activities as well as health care programming. Those services include blood pressure screenings, bingo nights, birthday events, flu shot clinic and charitable partnerships for holiday gift giving.
Chisom residents have participated in art camps, tree planting, employment and opportunity fairs, after school programs, workforce development programs including English language classes, CNA training, and holiday social events.
Donors and Partners
