October 25, 2024

At the end of its sixth year, the CHP Reads! Summer Reading Program, initiated by Community Housing Partners (CHP), has continued to expand its reach and impact. In 2024, CHP Reads! put books in the hands of over 500 young readers and more than 100 seniors across 39 properties. The program didn’t just hand out nearly 6,000 free books – it sparked joy, connected communities, and bridged generations.  

Since its launch in 2019, CHP Reads! has played a key role in developing language skills, cultural awareness, and a passion for reading among youth, while also creating opportunities for older generations to reconnect with literature. By providing free books, snacks, and activities, the program empowers participants of all ages to explore new worlds, encouraging both academic and personal growth.

The expansion of CHP Reads! to include seniors has been especially meaningful. Diane McElveen, Resident Services Coordinator at J. Van Story Branch Apartments in Baltimore, Maryland, calls CHP Reads!  book delivery days an “intergenerational extravaganza.” The staff set up lawn games and make each book delivery an event. “The program teaches kids that reading is fun,” McElveen said, “and it brings the whole community together.”

At Linden Green Apartments in Christiansburg, Virginia, Morgan Hilton, Senior Resident Services Coordinator, saw over 50 kids dive into books this summer. “CHP Reads! is always a hit here,” Hilton said. The program’s success isn’t just thanks to the staff – this year, family members got in on the fun too, making friendship bracelets for all the young readers.

Sometimes it’s the small moments that make the biggest impact. Kimberly Payne, Community Programs Coordinator at Overlook Terrace in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Townsquare at Dumfries, in Triangle, Virginia, recalls a young boy who asked for a book about fire trucks. “When I found one and gave it to him, seeing his face light up was priceless,” Payne said. “Moments like these make all the effort worth it.”

As CHP Reads! continues to evolve, its mission remains the same: to encourage a love of reading, to promote literacy, and to bring generations together through the power of books. With each passing year, the program aims to serve more people and make a lasting impact on the lives of its participants.