Local Groups That Help

Here are some of the nonprofit organizations that run housing programs in the Washington area. To find out more about these and other nonprofit groups, see http://www.guidestar.org.

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AHC, Arlington: Focuses on providing affordable rental properties in the Washington-Baltimore region, with a concentration in Northern Virginia ( http://www.ahcinc.org, 703-486-0626).

Calvert Foundation, Bethesda: Provides loans for nonprofit groups and faith-based organizations for low- and moderate-income residents in the Washington area, as well as internationally. People can also lend money as an investment ( http://www.calvertfoundation.org, 800-248-0337).

Development Corp. of Columbia Heights, Washington: Develops and sells affordable housing in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Northwest Washington ( http://www.dcch.org, 202-483-4986).

Habitat For Humanity: Builds and sells homes at below-market prices. The District and suburban counties in Maryland and Virginia have their own chapters ( http://www.habitat.org; search site for local chapter).

Latino Economic Development Corp., Washington: Offers courses and workshops in English and Spanish for first-time home buyers and for homeowners concerned about foreclosure. Also assists in tenant purchases of apartment buildings ( http://www.ledcdc.org, 202-588-5102).

Manna, Washington: Sells homes to low- and moderate-income residents, provides financial advice, and runs a nonprofit mortgage company ( http://www.mannadc.org, 202-832-1845).

Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, Washington: Focuses on providing affordable rental units and transitional housing. Concentrates on Ward 7 in Northeast Washington but also serves other neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River ( http://www.mhcdo.org, 202-396-1200).

Mi Casa, Washington: Buys abandoned or deteriorating single-family homes and renovates them for affordable sales to first-time buyers. Also offers financial counseling for buyers and assists tenants in purchases of apartment buildings ( http://www.micasa-inc.org, 202-722-7423).

OpenDoor Housing Fund, Silver Spring: Formerly the Unitarian Universalist Affordable Housing Corp. and Washington Area Housing Trust Fund. Operates a revolving loan fund that provides short-term loans to community-based nonprofit organizations to build and renovate low- and moderate-income and transitional housing. People can also lend money as an investment ( http://www.opendoorhousingfund.org, 301-588-5533).

SEED (Sowing Empowerment in Economic Development), Riverdale Park: Provides housing-counseling services in Prince George's County ( http://www.seedinc.org, 301-458-9808).

So Others Might Eat, Washington: Provides rental units for extremely low-income residents and offers supportive services for tenants, including employment training and child development ( http://www.some.org, 202-797-8806).