A Message From the Executive Director/CEO

As the Executive Director/CEO of Beyond Housing, I am excited to share our story with you!

Beyond Housing serves as the Housing Authority of the City of Bristol, VA, and we are the second oldest housing authority in the Commonwealth having been founded in 1938. We have a unique history as our community is known as the Birthplace of Country Music, and we are a twin city with Bristol, TN. Our main corridor is known as State Street with the center of the street also serving as the state line.

Beyond Housing is as unique as Bristol itself! We take pride in providing the core product of housing, but we go beyond that by looking at the holistic needs of our clients and helping them to meet goals that improve quality of life or assist them in becoming more self-sufficient. One tool we utilize to aid in this effort is our EnVision Center where resource referrals happen and on-site services are available.

We are also proud to be a Moving to Work (MTW) agency that is implementing a Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant. Innovation and creativity have spurred us in our efforts to revitalize the "Virginia Hills" neighborhood as we also look to reposition our public housing stock. The groundbreaking of our newest development of Goodson Hills in June 2025 will be followed by Morning Meadows and several RAD conversions. 

Finally, I want to leave you with the notion that we are dedicated and committed to preserving our history, the history of our neighborhood, and the cultural pieces that relate to that.  By paying homage to our past, we can look toward the future where we aim to continue with our innovation that is only possible with strong partnerships and the support of our Board of Commissioners and municipality.

Lisa Porter, Executive Director/CEO