The CHP Reads! Summer Reading Program is back, bringing another summer of books, creativity, and connection to Community Housing Partners (CHP) communities.
Now in its eighth year, CHP Reads! continues to create opportunities for young residents to stay engaged while school is out. What started as a way to address summer learning loss has grown into a program that brings books directly into communities, creating spaces where kids can explore stories, build confidence, and spend time learning together.
This year, CHP Reads! is taking a more flexible approach. Instead of a single program-wide theme, each participating site will shape its own activities based on the interests of its residents. From book fairs and read-alouds to hands-on crafts and group activities, the goal remains the same: make reading accessible, enjoyable, and part of everyday community life.
“CHP Reads! is really about meeting kids where they are and creating experiences that make reading feel fun and natural,” said Stacy Taylor, Resident Services Program Developer at CHP. “By giving each community the freedom to choose their own direction, we’re able to build programming that reflects what residents are excited about and want to be a part of.”
The program offers free books, community events, and interactive activities throughout the summer, helping remove barriers to access and encouraging families to engage in reading together. Since its launch in 2019, CHP Reads! has distributed thousands of books and hosted events that bring residents together around a shared love of stories.
As in previous years, the kickoff of CHP Reads! aligns with National NeighborWorks Weeks (May 23- June 7), a nationwide celebration recognizing the impact of NeighborWorks organizations in strengthening communities. CHP has been a chartered member of NeighborWorks America since 2003.
Those interested in supporting the program can visit the Bucks for Books webpage to donate. Donations will help fund book purchases, Little Free Libraries, and expanded programming at CHP communities.
Participating properties this year include J. Van Story Branch Apartments and Primrose Place Apartments in Baltimore, Maryland. In Virginia, they include Ansell Gardens Apartments in Portsmouth; Belleville Meadows Apartments in Suffolk; Bluegrass Apartments in Pulaski; Cedar Crest Apartments in Blacksburg; Checed Warwick Apartments in Newport News; Cross Creek Apartments in Portsmouth; Dolly Ann Apartments in Covington; Ephphatha Village in Charlottesville; Friendship Village Apartments in Virginia Beach; Greenstone on 5th Apartments in Charlottesville; Grayson Manor in Independence; Heather Glen Apartments in Radford; Holly Court Apartments in Kilmarnock; Huckleberry Court Apartments in Christiansburg; Kippax Place Apartments in Hopewell; Kingsridge Apartments in Richmond; Lafayette Elderly Apartments and Lafayette Family Apartments in Williamsburg; Laurel Woods Apartments in Pulaski; Linden Green and Linden Grove Apartments in Christiansburg; Maplewood Apartments in Martinsville; Meadowview Apartments in Pulaski; Northway Apartments in Galax; Overlook Terrace Apartments in Fredericksburg; Parkview Gardens Apartments in Farmville; Rivermeade Apartments in Yorktown; The Summit in Hopewell; Townsquare at Dumfries; The Warwick Apartments in Newport News; and Yorktown Square Apartments in Yorktown.
Founded in 1975, Community Housing Partners (CHP) provides quality-built, responsibly managed, service-enriched homes for low-income individuals and families across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Through its mission to create homes and communities that are healthy, sustainable, and affordable, CHP has been a leading advocate of affordable housing development for 50 years. CHP’s activities include real estate development, construction, energy services and training, asset management, property management, realty and homeownership, and comprehensive resident services.