Community Lodgings is proud to announce that it has been selected as a grantee of the 2026 Many Hands $73,000 Partner Grant to support its Transitional Housing, Affordable Housing, and Youth Education Program serving children and families in the Arlandria-Chirilagua community of Alexandria.
The grant funding will help sustain and expand Community Lodgings’ out-of-school time programming for 1st–12th grade students, including academic support, tutoring, mentoring, social-emotional learning, mental health services, and college and career readiness opportunities through its NextUp program.
Serving primarily immigrant families and English Language Learners, the program provides a safe and supportive environment where young people can learn, grow, and thrive.
“Being chosen as a 2026 Partner Grant recipient by Many Hands for 2026 is both an honor and a significant investment in the families we serve,” said Lynn Thomas, Executive Director of Community Lodgings. “This opportunity strengthens our ability to provide stable housing and pathways to economic mobility through our Youth Education Program. We appreciate the trust Many Hands has placed in our mission, and we look forward to making a meaningful impact together.”
School Justice Project was selected as the 2026 Impact Grant recipient, and DC Greens, AfriThrive, and Community Lodgings were awarded Partner Grants. All organizations are working to strengthen and uplift communities across the region.
The grant will also help Community Lodgings continue providing vocational coaching, scholarship guidance, and apprenticeship support for teens preparing for college or workforce pathways.
“We are grateful to Many Hands for investing in the future of our community and for recognizing the importance of equitable educational and emotional support services for youth and families,” Lynn added.
