About
Culpepper Garden is an award-winning retirement community that provides 346 affordable living housing units with services for low-income seniors over age 62. The 73-apartment assisted living wing was the first of its kind in the U.S. and the only one that exists in Arlington.
Culpepper Garden’s mission is to provide and advocate for affordable housing and quality services that help low-income older adults to thrive with comfort and dignity. Founded in 1975, it is the only residential community of its kind in Arlington. Arlington Retirement Housing Corporation (ARHC) is the nonprofit parent of Culpepper Garden.Â
The assisted-living wing was the first facility of its kind to receive much-needed HUD rental subsidies. These costs are often outside the financial ability of low-income older residents.
“The current waitlist for assisted living is over a year and all but one person on the waitlist require a subsidy,” says Executive Director Marta Hill Gray. “Similarly, the waitlist for independent living is well over two years.” Working in partnership with Arlington County and local partners like Arlington Food Assistance Center and Fenwick Foundation, Culpepper Garden makes financial accommodations each year to accomplish its mission.
“Our partners and volunteers are our lifeblood, interacting with residents in fun and engaging ways,” says Gray. With the help of staff and volunteers, Culpepper Garden maintains over four acres of gardens featuring daffodils and Virginia native plants. Culpepper Garden also holds annual community events—a spring event in honor of first responders and an annual BBQ fundraiser in early June for the Arlington community.
While Culpepper Garden’s work is strenuous and needed, it faces enormous challenges. In 2024, the organization aims to expand its reach within the community to enlist new partners to help serve these vulnerable adults.