VHA is excited to introduce our August Member Spotlight, People Incorporated of Virginia.

Since 1964, People Incorporated of Virginia has served communities across Southwest Virginia and has since expanded to the Northern Shenandoah Valley, the Northern Piedmont, and the Greater Prince William regions. As the oldest community action agency in the Commonwealth—and the first rural community action agency in the United States—People Inc. has long been a pioneer in the nonprofit sector. The organization has functioned as a “laboratory” for social programs, dedicated to its mission of supporting under-resourced individuals and families. From its roots in a small, rural community, People Inc.’s reach has grown significantly, serving more than 7,500 individuals in the past year alone. It also holds the unique distinction of being the only community action agency in the nation designated as a New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) allocatee—leveraging federal tax credits to attract private investment in distressed communities.

Today, People Inc. operates more than 30 programs across its service areas to break cycles of poverty. These include HUD Housing Counseling, Homeless Solutions, Rapid Rehousing, and Weatherization. As a housing developer, the agency owns and manages 32 affordable housing communities across Virginia and Tennessee, totaling over 1,100 units—with 60 more units expected to come online in fall 2025. Stretching from Jamestown, Tennessee to Tappahannock, Virginia, these properties provide safe, affordable housing to residents across both states.