EIN: 54-1681671
Mission Statement
Serving Northern Virginia since 1975, Culpepper Garden nonprofit retirement community provides affordable housing and a range of supportive services that enable older adults on very low, fixed incomes to age with independence, dignity, wellness, connection, and peace of mind. This award-winning community provides a vital lifeline for 400 vulnerable seniors per year who in no other instance can afford a home in this costly area or the services that meet their basic needs as they grow older. In many cases, Culpepper Garden is their last, best home.
Program Summary
Owned by the nonprofit Arlington Retirement Housing Corporation, Culpepper Garden provides 346 units of federally subsidized Independent Living. Our services begin with immediate housing stabilization in our well-maintained apartments, but our work does not end there. We are the only affordable retirement community in Arlington that offers a dining plan and provides free transportation to medical appointments and shopping destinations to ensure our residents have food security and access to healthcare services. A full calendar of daily activities fosters social engagement and enriches our residents’ lives. An array of free and low-cost wellness services provided by two dozen community partners help to maintain residents’ physical, dental, visual, and mental health. Through responsible stewardship and a commitment to equity, we strive to ensure older adults with limited resources have a stable home, meaningful support in a vibrant community, and the opportunity to thrive.
This affordable, service-enriched housing model has helped to reduce homelessness among older adults in Arlington County by 15% over the past several years. Culpepper Garden’s services provided in collaboration with our partners’ wellness programs consistently improve health outcomes for our residents, resulting in a 20% decrease in hospital admissions. We remain committed to providing a safety net for Arlington’s most vulnerable older adults and meeting their needs for generations to come.
Impact Statement
Our impact is reflected in the ability of older adults to age in place with stability, dignity, and appropriate support. At Culpepper Garden, residents secure not only affordable housing, but also access to essential services that enable them to maintain independence and quality of life.
While we serve individuals aged 62 and older who meet federal income eligibility requirements, our resident population is significantly older and more vulnerable than these criteria suggest. Sixty-five percent of residents are age 75 or older, and nearly one-third are over age 82, with many living into their 90s and beyond.
Residents live on extremely limited financial resources, with an average annual income of $18,069. The majority rely on Social Security, and many require additional assistance to meet basic needs, including food security. A growing number of residents enter our communities following periods of housing instability or homelessness.
Through stable housing and coordinated support, Culpepper Garden enables older adults with the greatest needs to live safely, maintain independence, and experience improved well-being.
What ways can the public get involved?
Volunteer. Our organization could not do this important work without the dedicated, passionate volunteers who serve Culpepper Garden. Volunteers assist with maintaining our gardens and grounds, assisting with special events, leading resident activities, and more. By volunteering here, you will be joining others in our community who are making a positive difference.
Donate. Almost all of the funding we receive from donors goes toward delivery of affordable service-enriched housing that enhances the lives of at-risk older adults. We are extremely efficient in how we use the money we have.
Collaborate. We regularly seek out opportunities to partner with local organizations and supporters who compliment and advance the impact we are able to make in our community. We’ve been able to sustain our work for more than 50 years because of our lasting partnerships
How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?
Financial support plays a vital role in sustaining and expanding our mission to provide affordable housing, services, and compassionate support for older adults with limited financial meals. Every contribution directly helps create a safe and supportive living environment while also funding programs that promote health, social connection, and overall well-being.
Through careful and responsible stewardship of every dollar, we ensure that resources are used efficiently and transparently to maximize their impact.
By investing in this work, donors help empower older adults to live with dignity and purpose—ensuring they have a stable home and the opportunity to truly thrive.
Information provided March 2026