When you meet Mary Johnson, her warmth and gratitude shine through. A Baltimore native, she has called The Residences at Irvington Woods home since 2005. Before that, she lived in Emerson Village for more than two decades, until her son encouraged her to find a quieter, safer place to live.
“I was on Emerson Village for 22 years, but it was getting a little rough, so I decided I needed to move. So, my son found this place. I didn’t know anything about it. And I came here in 2005, and I’ve been here ever since.” – Mary
The Residences at Irvington Woods is one of VOA Chesapeake & Carolinas’ permanent supportive housing communities in Baltimore that provides affordable housing to individuals and families with low incomes or those who have experienced homelessness.
In 2025, the community completed a major renovation made possible by The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation and other partners, adding new apartment features, updated facilities, and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Community Center.
For Mary, the affordability of her apartment has made all the difference, especially after retiring from her career at GBMC Medical Center where she worked in tech support for 18 years.
“At first I was paying, you know, almost market rent. And then once I retired, they reduced my rent and stuff like that. So, it helped me out a whole lot.” – Mary
When Mary returned home from the hospital and walked into her newly renovated apartment, the impact was immediate.
“When I walked in, I thought I was delusional, you know, the medication. I had tears because I couldn’t believe it was my place. And they really did an amazing job. I love it. I love every bit about itt’s been really helpful to me. I usually get rice, milk, eggs, and hamburger meat, things that really help me get by.” – Mary
The renovations also brought new life to the community as a whole. The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Community Center now gives residents a welcoming space that includes a full kitchen, computer lab, comfortable seating, and even a foosball table. Families also enjoy a brand-new playground on the property. For Mary, the center stands out as a beautiful addition that makes Irvington Woods feel even more like home. This has quickly become one of Mary’s favorite additions.
“I love the Weinberg Center because they really did a good job, an amazing job fixing it up in a way that you can come and feel comfortable. You know, it’s not just an office. It is really beautiful. They did a good job.” – Mary
Mary enjoys the peace and comfort of her home and the quiet of her neighborhood. She also finds joy in helping others. At Paca House, another one of our programs in Baltimore, she volunteers at the front desk, answers phones, and even cooks meals for residents during the holidays.
“I really enjoy helping people, period. I love it. They asked me when I’m going to stop. I would never stop helping nobody. I don’t have a whole lot, but I try to do my best.” – Mary
Today, Mary feels safe, thankful, and at home at The Residences at Irvington Woods.
“I would never move again. This is where I’m gonna die at. Because moving is hectic and it’s peaceful here. So, I love it. If I didn’t, I would have been gone, but I love it.” – Mary
“Volunteers of America gave me a peaceful, safe place. They did an amazing job for the community here. And I love every bit of it” – Mary
To learn more about The Residences at Irvington Woods, visit: www.voachesapeake.org/irvington-woods