Culpepper Garden was opened in 1975 to address an already growing need for low-income housing for senior citizens. In Northern Virginia, where the median yearly income for a one-bedroom apartment is almost $32,000, senior citizens are especially hard-hit. As the need for assistance with daily living grows, their meager options virtually disappear. Often seniors have to make impossible choices between housing, food and medical needs. The demand quickly overwhelmed the supply. In 1992 a second wing of apartments was opened at Culpepper. At the same time it was clear that many seniors who had been among the earliest residents were in need of additional care for activities of daily living, such as medication management, dressing, bathing and eating. The cost of such care is enormous and far out of reach for residents whose monthly incomes range from $500 to $1,100. To address this growing need, Culpepper Garden opened the William P. Harris Assisted Living Center in 2000. This is the only low-income Assisted Living facility in Arlington and the first federally assisted property of its kind in the nation..

Providing affordable and safe residences for low income, frail elderly is the heart of Culpepper Garden’s mission. Beyond that, we seek to promote independence and quality of life to our resident community. Low-cost meals are available for purchase by our independent residents and Assisted Living residents receive three meals each day. Through partnerships with service organizations throughout the Washington area, Culpepper Garden offers comprehensive services including: Free transportation through the American Red Cross and the Senior Loop, nursing and medical clinics, Social work, case management, mental health, nursing care, personal care, and counseling services through Arlington County, Legal assistance, Recreational activities including accessible gardening and Library services through Arlington County

Today Culpepper Garden is home to 348 senior citizens over the age of 62. The average age of our residents is 81. Their median monthly income is $1,100While government subsidies are available for the residents, the subsidies do not address critical personal and health care needs for our residents, especially those in the Assisted Living Center. Arlington County is a valued partner and the financial assistance they have provided is truly appreciated, however, the need still remains great.

The average monthly cost of care for our Assisted Living residents, after rent, is $1,470 to $2,070, depending on the level of care they require. In addition, our residents often have needs for medication and other essentials that quickly drain their remaining resources. The funds to provide assistance in these areas comes from much needed donations from grants, individuals and foundations.

Culpepper Garden provides safe, comfortable apartments, nutritious meals, medical and social services, social activities and continuous care. But more than that, Culpepper Garden provides a home -- a sense of supported independence for residents, reassurance for families that loved ones will be well cared for and a home where they can grow and thrive. We hope that you will join us in our important work this year and consider supporting Culpepper Garden.

For more information contact Caroline Eddins, Fund Development Coordinator at 703-528-0162 or ceddins@culpeppergarden.org. Your can also visit our web site: www.culpeppergarden.org.