February 24, 2025
The holiday season was a little brighter for seniors in CHP rental communities, thanks to the continued success of the Warm Wishes and Giving Tree programs. These annual initiatives, led by CHP’s Resident Services team, provided a combined 580 residents with holiday gifts, moments of connection, and a reminder that they are valued and remembered in 2024.
Warm Wishes expanded its reach once again last year, with 24 CHP communities participating. More than 160 residents were directly adopted by generous donors, while funds raised, totaling $3,581, helped ensure that a total of 494 residents received thoughtful gifts. The program’s success was made possible by 16 volunteers who contributed more than 50 hours of their time to shopping, wrapping, and delivering gifts.
At Wellesley Commons Apartments in Newport News, Virginia, the event became an opportunity for neighbors to look after one another, strengthening bonds within the community. “Many residents were checking in on their shut-in neighbors and making sure to carry some holiday cheer to them,” said Resident Services Program Developer Stacy Taylor.
At Belleville Meadows Apartments in Suffolk, Virginia, Warm Wishes became a multigenerational experience, as younger community members joined in on the giving spirit. “The youth at Belleville were eager to help deliver the Warm Wishes gifts to the seniors of their community,” shared Resident Services Coordinator Danielle White. “It really put a smile on the seniors’ faces!”
Beyond the gifts themselves, Warm Wishes provided residents with meaningful moments of joy. One participant was eager to show off a new pair of shoes she had received, calling them the “best pair of shoes she has ever received” and sharing her excitement with everyone around her, according to Resident Services Coordinator Kristin Roush.
For CHP’s property management team, the program was an opportunity to connect directly with residents. “We had a great time delivering gifts to the residents in Yorktown,” said Regional Property Manager Tammy Lautz. “It definitely put us in the holiday spirit to go door-to-door and wish everyone a happy holiday and give them something special.”
At Holly Court Apartments in Kilmarnock, Virginia, the Warm Wishes celebration was combined with a ribbon-cutting event, making the occasion even more special. Residents gathered in the community center to play games, enjoy food, and decorate ornaments. “They all expressed how happy they were to have resident services coming and holding parties and groups for the property,” said Resident Services Coordinator Emily Shabani. “They were all so grateful to also receive gifts for the holiday season.” (Read more about the ribbon cutting event.)
In addition to Warm Wishes, CHP’s Giving Tree program brought comfort to 86 residents at J. Van Story Branch Apartments and Primrose Place Apartments, both located in Baltimore. Each participating resident had the opportunity to choose between two gift options: an “inside bag” with fuzzy socks and a queen-size comforter or an “outside bag” with thermal socks and a full set of long johns to help them stay warm through the winter. Unlike previous years, Giving Tree was funded entirely through existing resources, ensuring that all residents received quality gifts.
With each year, Warm Wishes and Giving Tree continue to grow, bringing warmth, joy, and connection to even more residents. The next Warm Wishes and Giving Tree campaigns will kick off in October 2025.
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.