The Housing Corporation of Arlington (HCA) helf its annual “Walk for Affordable Housing” fund-raiser from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18, starting at the Jason Russell House (7 Jason St.). This was the corporation’s 22nd walk.
The event included food, music, games, housing advocacy opportunities and a raffle, as well as a one-mile walk, a news release from HCA Executive Director Erica Schwarz says. The walk was free, kid-friendly and open to anyone who cares about ensuring that everyone in our community can afford a decent home.
“We invite the whole community to join in and celebrate the importance of affordable housing,” Schwartz said in the release. “Attendees will enjoy great food, music, games, a boisterous walk to Arlington Center, and the company of wonderful neighbors. They will also have the opportunity to learn a bit and take actions to advocate for sorely needed affordable housing.”
The event features the JP Honk Band, a social justice-focused ensemble that will provide music before and during the walk, as well as Sr. Danny Drake, a stilt walker and juggler.
Executive Director Erica Schwarz
The walk route will go down Mass. Ave. to Arlington Center and back, providing great visibility for the message of support for affordable housing. Participants will receive a walk T-shirt featuring some of HCA’s affordable-housing properties.
Raffle prizes include original artwork by Abigail McMurray/yeiou paper objects, a gift basket from Yes! Your Eco Source, a signed baseball from the Red Sox, gift certificates from several local businesses and other fun items. Raffle tickets will be sold at the event between noon and about 1:30 p.m.
In its release, HCA said it is grateful to the many event sponsors for supporting its mission to provide affordable, stable housing and empower residents in order to build a supportive and equitable community. Sponsors support affordable housing development and operations, social services for family stability, and civic engagement.
2025 Hero Sponsors include Winchester Co-operative Bank, Brookline Bank and Cambridge Savings Bank. Champions include East Cambridge Savings Bank and Leader Bank. Allies include Bald Hill Builders, Calvary Church, Eagle Bank, First Baptist Church of Arlington, KJP Partners, Summer Federal, The Life Initiative, Tierney Development Services, Watertown Savings Bank, and Winchester Savings Bank. Supporters include Arlex Oil Company, Feinmann, Inc., and Rush-Kent World Insurance. Friends include Belmont Printing, Intelligent Labor and Moving, and Keefe Funeral Homes.
HCA is an Arlington-based nonprofit organization that was founded in 1986. Today the organization owns and manages 149 units of affordable housing throughout Arlington, helps families remain stable and housed, and engages tenants and other community members on local and state housing issues. In June 2025, HCA will start construction on 43 new units of highly energy efficient affordable housing on Sunnyside Ave.
Residents can learn more and donate to HCA in honor of the walk at www.housingcorparlington.org/walk. More information can be found by contacting Erica Schwarz: eschwarz [@] housingcorparlington.org or 781-894-5294 ext.1.
May 25, 2024: Nearly 100 turn out to advocate for affordable housing; $38K raised
This news announcement was published Wednesday, May 14, 2025, based on information from HCA’s Erica Schwarz.
