Farewell to Anne Montgomery House: A Decade of Community and Affordable Living

In Washington, D.C., on July 31, 2026, former and current residents, along with friends of Anne Montgomery House, gathered for a farewell celebration. The community home, operated by the Society of the Sacred Heart, is closing after ten years. Sister Diane Roche, who played a pivotal role in its establishment, reflects on her experiences as she sits on the front porch.

I’m 76 years old and running a house like this takes a lot of energy, Roche said. Something inside me just said this is it.

Anne Montgomery House provided affordable housing for young women engaged in studies, fellowships, or starting careers in the costly city of Washington. Sister Roche will miss daily interactions with the younger residents, who, she says, have kept her feeling young.

This house is one of many across the U.S. run by the Society of the Sacred Heart. With its closure, it marks the end of Roche’s latest effort in building intentional communities across various locations, including Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo. She continues her work with Catholic Charities, assisting in refugee resettlement.

Anne Montgomery House symbolizes a developing trend where early-career professionals are drawn to Catholic-run houses offering below-market rents. These homes not only provide affordable rent but also create a supportive living environment. Abigail Bulman, a resident, discovered community and friendship unexpectedly during her fellowship.

I had no idea they were going to be people that now have been my lifelong friends, she said.

The Society of the Sacred Heart subsidized rent by owning the property, allowing for reduced monthly fees. Roche saw this as addressing a significant practical problem. The financial relief helped young women pursue their dreams without the typical high costs of city living.

The house, named after Sister Anne Montgomery, a passionate peace activist, brought together women of various ages and backgrounds. Residents shared meals, participated in reflection, and committed to service. The home offered more than financial relief; it was a nurturing community.

For young professionals like Abigail Bulman and Mary Gardner, the house offered emotional respite in a demanding city. Gardner found solace in conversations with Sister Clare Pratt, a resident of the home.

Yet, Anne Montgomery House closes amid broader challenges in housing affordability. As rents increase across major cities, intentional living communities are seen as small-scale solutions offering stability and mentorship.

The farewell celebration at Anne Montgomery House was filled with laughter, music, and dance. Resident Funmilayo Erinfolami, who dreams of working at NASA, expressed difficulty coming to terms with the closure.

Sister Roche plans to transition to a new phase of life while continuing her work with refugees. She treasures the community she built and will cherish these connections as she moves on. She acknowledges that nuns never retire, keeping her focus on building community elsewhere.