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Celebrating Affordable Housing Heroes in Virginia

Virginia Housing has taken a significant step in recognizing the unwavering efforts of dedicated individuals in the real estate and mortgage lending industries by hosting the Affordable Housing Heroes Awards. On April 16, 2026, the agency celebrated the achievements of 33 real estate professionals and 33 mortgage loan officers who have made substantial contributions toward improving access to affordable housing across the state.

The ceremony underscored the critical role that these housing heroes play in helping Virginians achieve their dream of homeownership, particularly in a challenging market. From July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, these professionals have assisted numerous households in navigating the complexities of home buying through various Virginia Housing programs.

Acknowledging Excellence in Real Estate

One of the standout agents recognized at the event was Alyshia Merchant from Divine Fog Realty Company, based in Lynchburg. Alyshia demonstrated exceptional commitment to her clients, successfully assisting 15 buyers through the Virginia Housing loan programs. Her passion for helping first-time homebuyers stems from her own experience with housing assistance and her deep understanding of how crucial access to effective resources can be for those navigating their first home purchase.

“I believe education and advocacy are essential in this field,” said Merchant. “I am honored to be recognized by Virginia Housing as a top real estate agent and to continue promoting valuable opportunities for homebuyers.”

The Affordable Housing Hero Awards specifically acknowledge the buyer-side agents who have been involved in at least six transactions utilizing Virginia Housing's loan programs. This recognition goes beyond mere statistics – it showcases the real impact these agents make in the lives of their clients.

Honoring the Champions of Mortgage Lending

The recipients of the Affordable Housing Finance Hero Awards are also making a remarkable difference. These awards celebrate mortgage lenders who closed a minimum of 20 transactions within Virginia Housing programs. Notably, Darien Pearce from Southern Trust Mortgage LLC, based in Virginia Beach, was honored for helping 105 families secure home loans – a remarkable feat underscoring his dedication over two decades in the field.

“Working with Virginia Housing over the last 24 years has been a privilege,” Pearce said. “My commitment to empowering first-time homebuyers is both a source of pride and a driving force in my career.”

Collectively, the 33 recognized loan officers were responsible for closing an impressive total of 962 mortgages, demonstrating a substantial contribution to the affordable housing landscape in Virginia.

Addressing the Housing Challenges

With the ongoing housing inventory crisis, the ability to find and finance a first home continues to be a daunting challenge for many. Dan Kern, Virginia Housing's Business Development Training Manager, acknowledged the vital role that real estate and lending partners play in alleviating these pressures.

“These professionals go above and beyond to educate homebuyers, help them overcome personal hurdles, and ultimately hand them the keys to their new homes,” Kern stated. “Our partners are essential in guiding first-time buyers to the finish line.”

Virginia Housing itself has a storied history, having provided over 250,000 home loans since its inception in 1972. By facilitating innovative funding solutions and forging partnerships within both the public and private sectors, the agency has become a cornerstone in making homeownership accessible for countless Virginians.

In the past year alone, Virginia Housing financed 4,852 home loans amounting to a remarkable $1.3 billion, a testament to its commitment to the community.

About Virginia Housing

Virginia Housing stands as a self-supporting, nonprofit organization aimed at enhancing the lives of thousands through efficient housing solutions and strengthened communities. Its comprehensive approach to real estate, including programs for funding first-time homebuyers, rental developments, and neighborhood revitalization, reflects its mission to innovate in the affordable housing sector.

For additional insights, you can explore their official website VirginiaHousing.com for annual reports and program details.