Located in a convenient and connected area, Laurel Woods Apartments in Pulaski, VA, offers affordable, attractive homes designed with comfort and accessibility in mind. The community features one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans, including thoughtfully designed apartments for residents with sight, hearing, and mobility impairments. Laurel Woods supports easy, everyday living in a welcoming residential setting. CHP’s Marijana Ritchie serves as property manager, Christy Newman serves as assistant property manager, and Javier Hernandez-Hernandez serves as maintenance technician.
Marijana Ritchie, Christy Newman, and Javier Hernandez-Hernandez
Please introduce yourself and share a bit about your background in property management.
Hello, I’m Marijana Ritchie, and I’ve been with Community Housing Partners for 11 years. I got my start in property management 17 years ago, and over the years I’ve grown to love the balance of organization, problem-solving, and people-centered work that this field brings. Supporting residents and helping our communities flourish is truly the most rewarding part of my role.
How long have you been managing this property?
I’ve had the pleasure of managing Laurel Woods for the past 4 years, and I’ve been at Linden Grove and Hunting Hills for 11 years.
What makes this property unique or distinctive within the community?
Laurel Woods is known for being affordable, attractive, and genuinely accessible. We offer a range of floor plans, including homes thoughtfully designed for residents with sight, hearing, or mobility impairments. The property is also convenient — with public transit stops right on-site and shops just around the corner; residents can get where they need to go without any fuss. But what truly makes us stand out is the friendly, family-oriented atmosphere you feel the moment you arrive.
If the property had a personality, how would you describe it in a few words?
Warm, neighborly, and lively.
What’s the most unique feature of this property that residents love?
Our residents love the strong sense of community here. Families look out for one another, and many residents have relatives living in different apartments — we even have three sisters who all have their own homes at Laurel Woods, two of whom live right next door to each other. It’s that close-knit, caring spirit that makes the property feel special.
Can you share any success stories or positive feedback from residents?
One of the stories I’m most proud of is a young mother with three children who lived with us for a few years. Thanks to the affordability of Laurel Woods and her hard work, she was able to save enough to purchase her own home when she moved out. We still think of her as a wonderful example of how stable housing can help families build a brighter future. We’ve also received kind words from visitors who say the community feels “friendly and tight-knit,” and that neighbors look out for the children playing outside — feedback like that is lovely to hear.
Can you share a life hack or a clever solution you’ve discovered for common resident needs?
One of the most helpful things I’ve learned is simply the power of listening. Residents often come in wanting to talk through a challenge or frustration. Even if I can’t solve the issue immediately, giving them the space to be heard — a proper sit-down and a cupper-style conversation — makes a world of difference. It builds trust and often leads to better, calmer solutions for everyone.
What is something you like or appreciate about the community?
I truly appreciate how family-oriented and supportive our residents are. It’s not unusual to see neighbors helping each other with shopping bags, keeping an eye on the little ones playing outside, or turning out for community events. Our community room and on-site resident services team help bring everyone together with activities and support programs that really strengthen that sense of belonging.
What qualities make this property a great place to call home?
Laurel Woods offers a rare blend of affordability, accessibility, convenience, and genuine community spirit. With a variety of spacious floor plans, inclusive features, on-site activities, and friendly neighbors, it creates a place where residents feel safe, supported, and connected. It’s a proper home, not just a place to live.
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.