About Us

Our Mission

At Russell House, we care about the happiness and well-being of every resident. We provide a comfortable, independent living community for seniors 62-years-old or greater or those applying for an apartment specifically constructed for the mobility impaired. Unlike an assisted living or nursing home, Russell House does not provide resident care.

Our community is designed to give individuals access to affordable, quality apartments with various services, amenities, and active lifestyle opportunities. Our safe, maintenance-free building is nestled in the desirable Hilltop Central area of Virginia Beach. Grocery stores, restaurants, banks, doctors’ offices, and much more can be found within walking distance! Neptune’s Park and the Virginia Beach waterfront are just a 10-minute drive away and our community is on the public transportation line. Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, a critical care facility, is only minutes away.

Russell House is operated by CSM Senior Living, Inc., with missional oversight provided by a local, not-for-profit Board of Directors.

Russell House does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, disability, source of funds, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status in the admission or access to, and/or treatment and employment in, its federally assisted programs and activities. Occupancy is open to all persons who meet the community’s eligibility criteria, regardless of the aforementioned federal and state statutorily protected classes.

Affordable Lifestyle

Rent at Russell House is based on your individual income to make it affordable for everyone. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) subsidizes each individual’s rent. Even someone with no income can afford to live at Russell House.

Persons wishing to reside at Russell House must have an adjusted income that does not exceed federally established income limits for the Virginia Beach area. The amount paid for rent will not exceed 30% of an eligible resident’s adjusted income.

Additionally, residents receive a monthly fuel allowance based on apartment style which is applied to their adjusted gross income. Water, sewer, and trash utilities are included in the rent. Residents are responsible for their own phone, personal internet, and cable television service (should they choose to have them), and WiFi is available in select common areas. Russell House does not provide assisted living, nursing, or other care services.

Our History

Russell House opened officially in 1981 and is named for Bishop John J. Russell who served as the 10th bishop of Richmond from 1958 to 1973. It is operated as a private, non-profit community led by an ecumenical, volunteer Board of Directors. The original Board of Directors was formed in April of 1979, led by the efforts of Mrs. Mary Ellen Cox. After applying for and securing a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, construction began in September 1979. Russell House is a nondenominational community sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Richmond and is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Our Team