Founding and Early Years
Fellowship Square Foundation’s journey began in 1960, led by the visionary Rev. Dr. John A. Scherzer (1901-1994), a pastor and member of the Lutheran Lay Fellowship of Metropolitan Washington. Driven by a desire to support vulnerable seniors and ensure their access to safe, affordable housing, Rev. Scherzer brought together his local community to address this critical need.
On November 30, 1960, the D.C. government issued a corporate charter for Fellowship Square, marking the official start of the organization. In its early years, Fellowship Square focused on assisting a diverse population of older adults while seeking funding and land to build an affordable housing community in the region.
A significant milestone came in 1970 when Fellowship Square broke ground on its first housing project, the Lake Anne Fellowship House in Reston, VA. This community welcomed its first residents in 1971, and quickly expanded with the opening of Lake Anne II Fellowship House just five years later in 1976.
The following decade saw rapid growth for Fellowship Square. Three additional communities were established: Hunters Woods Fellowship House in Reston, VA (1979), Lake Ridge Fellowship House in Woodbridge, VA (1983), and Largo Landing Fellowship House in Upper Marlboro, MD (1984).
Growth and Expansion
The need for affordable housing for older adults has exploded nationally and locally. Only one in three seniors with extremely limited incomes receive the housing assistance they are eligible for because the programs are small compared to the real need. Concerningly, with housing and rental costs soaring and out-of-pocket health care costs rising, older adults are at a greater risk of homelessness than at any time in recent history. This is particularly exacerbated in the greater Washington DC region, where an annual income of nearly $60,000 is needed to afford a 1-bedroom apartment. In the past, seniors of limited means used to be able to stay in their homes or downsize into rental apartments. Today in our region, however, older renters are getting squeezed out as rents and real-estate prices have exploded.
Our Properties
Lake Anne Fellowship House I & II
(1971 & 1976)
Hunters Woods Fellowship House (1979)
Lake Ridge Fellowship House
(1983)
Largo Landing Fellowship House (1984)
Current Impact
Fellowship Square’s four communities currently provide 670 affordable apartments in a safe and dignified environment for more than 800 older adults (aged 62+) living on extremely limited fixed incomes (less than $10,000/year on average). Many live on Social Security or Supplemental Security Income alone. Collaboration with funding sources and subsidies from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Agency (HUD) and other organizations ensure that rent is never more than 30% of a resident’s income.
Empowering Senior Lives
Average resident income is just $10,000/year, highlighting the critical need for affordable housing solutions.
Commitment to Affordability
Residents pay no more than 30% of their income for housing costs (including rent and utilities).
Serving Thousands since 1960
currently provide 670 affordable apartments in a safe and dignified environment for more than 800 older adults (aged 62+)
Completed Major Projects
Lake Anne Fellowship House Redevelopment
Redevelopment of Lake Anne Fellowship House, an $86+ mil. project that includes the construction of a new 240-apartment building to replace the existing property. Construction initiated in mid-2020 and the project completed in 2022. See Lake Anne House.
Hunters Woods Fellowship House Modernization
A $12+ mil. renovation to the Hunters Woods Fellowship House to modernize its 225-units that provide affordable housing to 300+ residents and enhance amenities and common space. Construction initiated in early-2020 and the project was finished in 2022.
Milestones & Achievements
Our milestones and achievements highlight Fellowship Square’s enduring dedication to providing affordable housing and compassionate support for older adults. From groundbreaking developments to impactful community initiatives, each accomplishment reflects our mission to enhance the lives of seniors and address the growing need for affordable housing.
NOVOGRADAC
Journal of Tax Credits Developments of Distinction Awards Presented for 2023 Preservation of Existing Affordable Housing Lake Anne House.
Affordable Housing Finance
2023 Readers’ Choice Award Presented for Lake Anne House Best Overall Project & Best Senior Housing Project.
Fairfax County Health Department
2023 recognized and commended the efforts of Hunters Woods Fellowship House for partnership with the Fairfax County Health Department in their dedication to the health and safety of their community.
ULI Washington
2024 Excellence in Affordable Housing Development – Lake Anne House.
Badges of Authenticity – Commitment to Transparency
Fellowship Square has earned multiple badges from Candid, Great Nonprofits and Spur Local that signify the organization’s dedication to openness and accountability.
Driving Housing Forward
The need for affordable senior housing is at an all-time high. Seniors now make up the largest share of single adults experiencing homelessness in the D.C. metro area, with a 6.5% increase in individuals over 55 facing homelessness in Fairfax County (2024 Point-in-Time count).
Fellowship Square goes beyond housing by addressing barriers that prevent seniors from accessing resources and maintaining independence. Through affordable homes and supportive services, we empower residents to live vibrant, fulfilling lives.
Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding our impact, ensuring every senior has access to safe, dignified housing and the tools to thrive.
In the upcoming years, Fellowship Square will have in place:
Vibrant Affordable
Housing Communities
that provide a variety of activities and services for older adults.
Expanded Services and Support
that focus on four areas of wellness: physical, spiritual, social and intellectual and that include new technologies, information and activities that meet residents’ needs.
Strategies to Maintain Diverse and Reliable Income Streams
that support the lives of our residents and the organizations overall.
A “Best in Class” Organizational Infrastructure
that allows Fellowship Square to have greater impact on those we serve
Ways to Celebrate Fellowship Square’s 65th Anniversary
You are Invited!
Thursday, May 29 2025 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Join us as we go back in time to the 1960s for one evening with our amazing donors, board members, volunteers, elected officials and other supporters who have been part of community serving seniors throughout our community.