Arlington Thrive is the product of decades of neighbors helping neighbors to create a more vibrant and supportive Arlington County.
Originally founded in 1975 as AMEN (Arlingtonians Ministering to Emergency Needs), we trace our roots back to North and South Arlington FISH (For Immediate Sympathetic Help) initiatives formed in the 1960s by churches addressing local community needs. In 2013, we rebranded as Arlington Thrive to embrace our vision of progress, which includes all Arlingtonians regardless of creed.
Over the past 48 years, Arlington Thrive has evolved from an informal volunteer initiative into a key component of the social safety net and a valued partner to the county government. Today, Thrive provides timely assistance to help our neighbors in need so they can develop the capacity to be stable, secure and thrive in their jobs, health and homes. Our grants cover emergency rent payments to prevent eviction, utility payments to avoid heat and water disconnections, much-needed medication for clients facing serious health issues, and more.
While a lot has changed since our founding, we remain committed to our community and to the values of compassion and partnership with which we were founded. Our long-term vision is to create an Arlington community where all have homes, are financially stable, and thrive.