Joe and Midge Wholey photo courtesy of APAH
Joe Wholey, a visionary leader and founder of both Alliance for Housing Solutions (AHS) and Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH), passed away on Thursday, August 24th. He transformed affordable housing in Arlington and throughout the metropolitan area.
As an Arlington County Board member from 1970 to 1978, Joe spearheaded the Long-Range County Improvement Plan. He also helped develop the comprehensive plan for the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, which harnessed the orange line metro stops in Arlington by planning development around each stop.
In 1989, Joe, along with his wife Midge and three other couples, founded APAH. They purchased one 8-unit building in the Westover neighborhood and named it Fisher House. Today, APAH boasts over 2,300 committed affordable units in its 20-community portfolio.
In 2003, Joe joined a group that included Ellen and Bill Bozman and Jack Cornman to found AHS. Driven by the need to educate the public about how housing affordability is essential to a functioning community, this small group of neighbors was the foundation of AHS becoming the most trusted voice in Arlington for providing policy input, advocacy, and research to support affordable housing efforts.
Joe was passionate about social justice, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. He inspired many people with his generosity, wisdom, and optimism. He passed away leaving behind a legacy of service and compassion.