A Place to Call Home
Transforming Lives through Affordable Housing Solutions
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:
Education
Financial Literacy
Workforce Development
Reducing Food Insecurity
Community Connections
OUR PORTFOLIO
Chisom’s portfolio includes 1,400 apartments in 24 affordable housing communities in 11 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.
BOARD AND STAFF
Chisom is led by a eight-member Board of Directors including a resident member and one advisory role. 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.
HOW WE WORK
Working with community managers to meet community needs
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
Community Building
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.
Reducing Food Insecurity
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.
Senior Services
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.
Donors and Partners
Support us.
Chisom is always looking for volunteers, partners, and new ideas about how best to serve and support our residents. We welcome any contribution of time, experience, or monetary funds in support of our efforts. We are a registered 501(c)(3) and all donations are tax deductible and dedicated to resident services.