A 45-Year Commitment to Quality Housing and Care
This year, we celebrate Victory Housing’s 45th Anniversary with immense gratitude and appreciation for all who have championed our mission and partnered with us on this remarkable journey. Growing out of the social justice mission of the Roman Catholic Church, since our founding in 1979, our dedication to service has remained unwavering. Over those decades, support from both public and private sectors has been pivotal in helping us deliver on that dedication and establishing Victory Housing as a leading provider of affordable housing and assisted living.
From Mary’s House in Rockville to our first purpose built assisted living community, and from the first affordable senior housing independent living community at Manor in Hyattsville to our latest new communities such as Victory Haven in Damascus and Spring Flats in DC, Victory Housing has always sought to understand the housing challenges and the solutions necessary to ensure quality, attainable options for all. We have built, acquired, renovated, operated, and managed assisted living communities that serve a broad range of mixed income residents and affordable housing for low- to moderate-income seniors and families, with a special focus on affordable senior living. Today, there are 35 Victory Housing communities, including six assisted living communities, offering 2,724 affordable and mixed-income units across the Washington, D.C., and Montgomery, Prince George’s, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties in Maryland.
Our success over the years is a testament to the collective efforts of individuals past and present. I am grateful for our exceptional team who collectively cares for our residents and our building. From our senior leaders and the wonderful and dedicated corporate team to our multifamily and assisted living community teams, respect for all and the commitment to excellence is evident. I also want to say thank you for the leadership of the Archdiocese of Washington and our board of directors who have helped to continuously steer us towards strengthening and sustaining our mission. It takes a village, and this village has altogether earned over 80 awards and honors and, most significantly, has made a positive impact on countless lives. This dedication has resulted recently in our assisted living communities being recognized as top senior living providers by U.S. News & World Report in 2023 and 2024, and by awards received by Spring Flats, including the 2022 Advisory Council on Historic Preservation/HUD Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation (ACHP/HUD Secretary’s Award). These national recognitions underscore the trust and confidence communities and residents place in Victory Housing.
Yet with all our successes, the need to provide affordable housing, especially for seniors, remains a critical challenge for the communities we serve. Further, with changing weather patterns and increased energy costs, we must continue to focus on improvements and enhancements for our existing communities. Over the past year we have confirmed our resolve to ensure that Victory Housing can deliver on its mission well into the future in a way consistent with seeking to improve the future for all, committing to excellence in environmental sustainability and a greener future for our buildings. Embarking on this journey included looking community by community at our energy efficiency and our climate resilience needs and goals, partnering to install solar power to all buildings where feasible, and joining the national Better Climate Challenge. Public and private partnership continues to be critical, and with resources such as MEEHA, MEA and the Montgomery County Green Bank, helping to make this transformation possible.
Reflecting on our journey to 45, it is clear that the mission established under the Archdiocese of Washington has set a standard for quality in affordable housing and assisted living services – a vision of creating in our communities a place that people can call “home.” As we move forward, we remain committed to compassion, accountability, respect for everyone, excellence, and, last but certainly not least, continuously strengthening our foundation to sustain that mission for many decades to come.
Thank you for being an integral part of our journey and for your continued support as we look forward to a bright future.
With gratitude,
Leila Finucane
CEO, Victory Housing
Over the Decades – Fun Facts
From a humble beginning of 15 residents in 1985, we’ve grown to serve over 2700 today. Over the past 45 years, we’ve had the privilege of serving over 100,000 seniors and families. Our journey began with Mary’s House assisted living community and the first corporate office was established at Raphael House assisted living community. Our first affordable apartment for independent seniors was Manor Apartments, which opened in June 1996. From that point on, Victory Housing touched many lives through our 35 communities.
July 16, 1979
With the leadership of Rev. Msgr. Kuehner, Victory Housing was incorporated on July 16, 1979.
The 1970s
The ’70s was the first decade of supersonic air travel.
Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, and The Jetsons originated in the 1970s.
Bellbottoms were the clothing mullet before the mullet was a thing.
Top 70s song, Raindrops Keep Fallin on My Head by B.J. Thomas.
1970 - New Digs for County Seniors
Rockville’s Raphael House provides assisted living. The first five residents are getting settled in.
1980 - More Than A Place To Live
Since 1985, Victory Housing has been providing seniors with a place to call home and services they need.
The 1980's
The movie “Airplane!” came out in 1980.
Passengers were allowed to visit the cockpit while commercial aircraft were flying in the ’80s.
NASA’s first space shuttle launched in April 1981.
Mary’s House, May 1985
Mary’s House opened with 15 residents in Rockville, MD. Mary’s House was our first Assisted Living Community.
1989 - Seniors In The School House
Elderly resident cared for upstairs at St. Marys school.
1989 - Raphael Elderly Housing Gets Rockville Nod
The Rockville City Council voted to budget $150,000 towards a group home for the elderly on the grounds of St. Raphael Church.
The 1980's
Las Vegas became a luxury town toward the late ’80s, when Wynn Resorts opened their first Vegas outpost: The Mirage.
Top 1980s song – Coming Up by Paul McCarthy
1980s was the decade for Cabbage Patch Kids, Pound Puppies and Care Bears.
1989 - Victory Housing Recognition Award
Victory Housing was given the Montgomery County Community Development Recognition Award for improvement to the conditions of the poor and disadvantage.
The 1990's
Interest in Australia travel surged in the ’90s because of “Crocodile Dundee.”
The ’90s was the era of traveler’s cheques and cash. We hadn’t quite hit the golden age of credit card points.
The first hybrid car hit the roads in 1997 in Tokyo, Japan.
1990 - A Priests Dream becomes an Archdiocesan Priority
Working in the archdiocisan, Msgr. Kuehner recognized a need for affordable housing for the elderly.
1990 - Mary's House Recieves White House Point of Light Award
We can find meaning and reward by serving some higher purpose than ourselves, a shining purpose, the illumination of a Thousand Points of Light… We all have something to give. “— President George H.W. Bush, Founder of Points of Light
1991 - A Haven Between Independence and Nursing Home
1991 – “What we do is no different than what a mother does to run a house.” said Vivian McKinney, the home’s director.
1992 - Welcome to Raphael House
Residents and staff attend the ribbon cutting for Raphael House.
The 1990's
Iconic movies and TV shows included Titanic and Forrest Gump, and beloved TV shows like Friends, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Seinfeld.
Oprah’s Book Club started on September 17, 1996
Nirvana, Pantera and Oasis paved new paths for sub-genres in rock
The first version of web-based email started in 1993.
1993 - Seniors Housing Awards
NCOSH presents the second annual best of seniors housing award to Raphael House.
June 1996
Manor Apartments opened in Hyattsville, MD. It was our first HUD Section 8/202 apartment with 62 apartments.
1997 - Parish & Neighbors Celebrate Groundbreaking
Church governance and buisiness leanders took shovels in hand to officiaially break ground on Barholomew House.
1998 - Construction Begins on Byron House
Construction on the long-awaited assisted care community on the campus of Our Lady of Mercy commences.
1999 - Cardinal Dedicates Byron House
The first 15 residents have bmoved intob Byron House.
1999 - D.C. Council Legislation
Scores of housing activists beseech the D.C Council on bills to advocate for affordable senior housing.
1999 - Avondale Park Apartment Dedication
Cardinal James Hickey blessed and dedicated the 88-unit apartment building for low-income independent senior citizens.
The 2000's
Y2K panic as the new century rolled in.
TWA (Trans World Airlines) officially ceased operations in the early 2000s, after a 70-year tenure in the friendly skies.
The average price of a domestic flight in the U.S. was $502 (adjusted for inflation) in 2000.
2000 - Blessing and Grand Opening
Before blessing Byron House with holy water, the cardinal praised the cooperative efforts between church, government, and business officials.
The 2000's
Google Maps was first announced in February 2005. Two years later, in 2007, it was able to display real-time traffic congestion.
The first iPhone was announced by Steve Jobs at the Macworld 2007 Convention.
JK. Rowling was the best-selling author of the decade, thanks to her Harry Potter book series.
Cambridge Apartments, 2001
Cambridge Apartments renovations wre completed in 2001. Located in Takoma Park, MD, with 33 apartments, it was our first first Workforce/Family Housing.
Parkfair Apartments, 2002
Parkfair Apartments, located in Mount Pleasant (Washington, DC) finished renovations in 2002. It was our First Affordable Family located in Washington DC with 31 apartments.
Victory Terrace, February 2004
Victory Terrace opened in February 2004 in Potomac, MD. It was our first LIHTC, Section 42, with 72 Apartments.
Covenant Village, 2006
In 2006, Victory Housing partnered with Washington New Covenant Fellowship Church to develop an 89-unit apartment community for mixed-income independent seniors in Germantown. It is called Covenant Village.
La Plata Manor, January 2009
La Plata Manor was acquired in January 2009, and the renovations were completed in April 2011. It was our first Affordable Senior Community in Charles County. with 101 apartments.
The 2010 & Beyond
OK Go made the first music video to ever be shot at zero gravity. The video was watched 23 million times when it came out in 2016.
More than 65,000 selfies are taken every minute.
Domestic flights are nearly 30% less expensive than they were 20 years ago.
The Summit at St. Martin’s, 2010
The Summit at St. Martin’s construction was completed in 2010. It has 178 apartments (including 50 units for formerly homeless individuals), located in Eckington (Washington, DC).
Victory Woods, June 2011
Victory Woods opened in June 2011 with 75 Apartments. It was our first community in Mary’s County.
2018 - Victory Crossing Dedicated
On May 8, 2018, a dedication ceremony was held for Victory Crossing, a new 105-unit rental apartment community for mixed-income seniors located near the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Columbia Pike in the White Oak area of Silver Spring.
2019 - Ground Broken for Victory Haven Senior Apartments
Victory Housing celebrates the start of construction at Victory Haven, a new 72-unit affordable rental community for seniors in Damascus, Maryland.
The late 2010's
Fidget Spinners, Smart Watches, Selfie Sticks and Hoverboards were invented.
Avatar, Despicable me and Shrek Forever were released.
The Late Night Feud: Jay Leno vs David Letterman vs Conan O’Brien.
Good bye Blockbuster Video and hello to movie streaming.
2020 - Spring Flats Receives Housing for Everyone grant
The TD Charitable Foundation donated a total of $125,000 to Victory Housing, Inc. as part of the foundation’s Housing for Everyone grant competition.
2021 - Spring Flats First Lease Signing
Springs Flats had the first lease signing on December 1st. Welcome to our new resident.
2022 - Art Supplies, Creating Artwork To Decorate Residences
Three communities with Victory Housing are enjoying new artwork thanks to the efforts of area elementary school students.
2023 - The Appleton at Spring Flats Honored
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation presented The Appleton at Spring Flats in Washington, D.C., with the 2022 ACHP/HUD Secretary’s Award.
2024 - Spring Flats Testimonial from Mayor Bowser and Community Members
Testimonial from Mayor Bowser and Community Members. Victory Housing marks significant milestone: 36,000 New Homes by 2025
April 23, 2025
45th Anniversary Celebration on April 23, 2025, at the Silver Spring Civic Center.
Awards & Recognition
Victory Housing has received numerous awards over the decades for assisted living facilities, multifamily housing, and other projects. Some have received include:
- The Appleton at Spring Flats won the Historic Preservation Review Board Chair’s Award from the DC Preservation League in November 2023.
- The Appleton at Spring Flats won the Historic Preservation Award from the ACHP/HUD Secretary in July 2023.
- The Robeson at Spring Flats won the Best Small Affordable Housing Project from the Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers (HAND) in June 2023.
- Victory Housing achieved the Best Assisted Living Designation from U.S. News & World Report in 2023 and 2024.
Victory Housing’s Byron House is an example of an outstanding project.
We applaud Victory Housing, who have illuminated the vital role of historic preservation in ensuring more sustainable, equitable communities and in tackling the affordable housing crisis.
Celebrating 45 Years of Commitment and Excellence
Since our founding in 1979, our dedication to service has remained unwavering. Through resilience and dedication, we have built, acquired, renovated, operated and managed affordable housing for low- to moderate-income seniors and families, with a special focus on senior living.
On September 20, 2024, a 45th Anniversary Festival was held at Cabin John Park in Potomac Maryland. Over 250 guests attended the event that included assisted living residents and family members, community and corporate employees, board members, and volunteers. The day was celebrated with food trucks, live music, performances by residents and team members, and a special acknowledgement by Leila Finucane, President/CEO, of Victory Housing employees for their years of service over the past decades. Thirty-six employees were acknowledged for their dedication with over 10 years of service, six for over 20 years, and Edith Avila (Raphael House) and Michelle Limeres (VHI Corporate) for over 30 years.
Our Residents
Our residents enjoy inviting family and friends to their homes for dinner and special community events. They volunteer in the greater community and celebrate special occasions. They help transform buildings into true communities of fun and friendship. Victory Housing would not be who we are today without our residents.
My mother, Elizabeth Tuel, has been a resident at Grace House since approximately June of 2019.
Today, during a visit with her audiologist, she told the doctor that at Grace House, in addition to thoroughly enjoying the entertainment and activities, that she feels “safe and loved”.
My husband, dog, and I moved in right before the derecho in June 2012. It was considered the most destructive thunderstorm in history. It was then that I saw how much this community worked together. There have been many good changes since then, and it is still home.
Mother Cecelia Farley was a resident at Marian Assisted Living for three years… After three years of living in a senior assisted living facility, the staff become your village. I can say that the team members listed above are our village, and I don’t know how we could have made it through the past three years let alone the last five months without them.
Our Team
Our experienced and caring management team members provide the leadership to implement Victory Housing’s mission to provide assisted living for seniors and affordable housing to low- and moderate-income independent seniors and families.
Victory Housing CARES: We lead with Compassion. We are Accountable for our work. We Respect everyone. We Excel in our results. We Sustain our mission.
I’m so proud to be part of this long-standing organization with deep roots in the community and its storied legacy of service. I couldn’t be more grateful for the dedicated and talented team at Victory Housing. My VHI colleagues strive daily to foster an environment of kindness and compassion and to create a community where I feel supported and encouraged to learn and grow.
I’ve witnessed countless transformations in my fourteen years at Victory Housing. But one thing remains constant: the unwavering dedication of our employees. They are the heart and soul of this company, and their collective efforts have propelled us to where we are today.
Over twenty-five years ago, this community was more than just a place to work and live; it became my family. I’ve watched children grow up, friends become family, and lives be enriched. Being a Caregiver at Victory Housing and calling it home has been a privilege.
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Victory Housing: A Visionary for Affordable Housing
Victory Housing is a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through innovative housing solutions. We provide affordable housing and essential services to a diverse community, including low-income seniors, families, and individuals with special needs.
Your Impact: A Brighter Future
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we are able to realize our vision of a compassionate and equitable community. Your donations through the Victory Housing Heartship Program directly empower us to provide vital housing and services and create a lasting impact in the communities we serve.