Mary Marshall Assisted Living Residence - A Home for Low-Income Seniors with Intellectual Disabilities


Volunteers of America hosted an open house on Feb. 15 to officially open Mary Marshall Assisted Living Residence, an innovative community-based facility for seniors with intellectual disabilities and mental illness.
The 52-unit licensed assisted living facility in Arlington, Virginia near Washington, DC provides homes for low-income people age 55 and older with cognitive, mental health and other special needs who require assistance with activities of daily living. As assisted living programs have been more successful in allowing people with intellectual disabilities to live healthier, more fulfilling lives, these people are also living longer. As they reach old age, they face both their existing disabilities and new issues, such as limited mobility and vision, that come with aging.

Attendees at the open house included Volunteers of America National President Mike King, Arlington County (Va.) Board Chair Mary Hynes, Arlington County Manager Barbara Donnellan, Arlington Deputy County Manager Marsha Allgeier, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Multifamily Housing Programs Marie Head.

The first residents moved in to the facility in November 2011 following a two year renovation and expansion of an existing building. The $8.2 million renovation was a partnership between Volunteers of America and the Arlington County Department of Human Services. The facility meets LEED certified requirements. Additional renovations included expansion of the existing kitchen and common areas such as a library/computer room, community lounges and a wellness center.

Residents are referred to Mary Marshall Assisted Living Residence by the Arlington County Department of Human Services from its current client population. Volunteers of America is a national leader in providing care and housing for both seniors and those with disabilities. The organization is one of the largest nonprofit providers in the United States of affordable senior housing, skilled nursing care and assisted living for seniors.