FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alexandria, VA — At their April meeting, the Hopkins House Trustees unanimously approved the organization’s 2025/2026 Legislative Support Agenda, reinforcing their commitment to public advocacy focused on childcare, workforce development, and affordable housing. These efforts reflect Hopkins House’s long-standing mission to create a thriving and equitable community for the children, youth, and families it serves across Northern Virginia.
Hopkins House’s advocacy for childcare recognizes that nearly 70% of children under age six nationwide have all available parents in the workforce. In Virginia, access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education is essential for working families and a strong economy — delivering more than $364 million in increased family earnings and disposable income annually. With childcare costs in Alexandria and Fairfax County reaching up to $22,953 annually, Hopkins House advocates for stabilizing the childcare sector with reliable, long-term funding and for providing dignified and livable compensation to childcare professionals, who earn a median wage of just $14.60 per hour.
In the area of workforce development, Hopkins House highlights the critical link between childcare access and labor force participation, with Virginia’s participation rate at its highest level in over a decade. Effective workforce development initiatives are vital for preparing individuals with the skills needed to succeed, driving innovation, and fueling economic growth.
Hopkins House’s affordable housing advocacy focuses on the urgent need to expand housing options for low- and middle-income families in Alexandria and Fairfax County. Despite ambitious local goals to create 10,000 new units of affordable housing by 2034, many families continue to struggle with financial instability caused by rising housing costs. Affordable housing, the Trustees emphasized, is essential for economic stability, family well-being, and resilient communities.
The Hopkins House Trustees’ 2025/2026 Legislative Support Agenda calls for:
- Stabilizing the childcare sector with reliable and adequate sources of long-term funding.
- Providing dignified and livable compensation to childcare professionals.
- Increasing the stock of affordable housing in Alexandria and Fairfax County for low- and middle-income residents.
“Advocacy around childcare, workforce development, and affordable housing is vital for ensuring that all Virginians — especially those at risk — have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive,” said James N. Banks, Jr, Hopkins House Board Chair. “By addressing these interconnected issues, we are investing in a brighter, more equitable future for our children and our community.”
Approval of the 2025/2026 Legislative Support Agenda authorizes the Trustees’ Public Policy & Advocacy Committee, to continue working in partnership with government officials, community groups, and faith-based organizations to advance policies that support education, workforce development, and housing needs across the Commonwealth.
About Hopkins House
Founded in 1939, Hopkins House is committed to fostering the educational development of children, youth, and adults through compassionate and innovative programs. Our vision is to provide a foundation for success that lasts a lifetime.
