Ralph Kuehner

Monsignor Ralph Kuehner has worked tirelessly for decades to address critical human needs in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. He has worked with many at-risk and underserved populations, including the homeless, low-income senior citizens, renters and first-time homebuyers and prison inmates. His beliefs in opportunity, fairness, equality, dignity and respect for each individual has been the hallmark of his charitable endeavors and inspired many to follow his lead.

In addition to 16 years as a parish priest and a variety of service and training duties with the Archdiocese of Washington, Msgr. Kuehner found time to form and nurture several successful and well-regarded regional nonprofit organizations. This includes Victory Housing, Inc. in 1979 and So Others Might Eat (SOME) in 1970.

In two decades, Victory Housing which seeks to develop and operate affordable housing has grown substantially. The organization has eight facilities either open or under construction valued in excess of $20 million providing affordable rental housing and services to 300 persons annually, supported by a staff of 80 persons and more than 100 volunteers.

SOME began modestly in 1970 with the goal of providing food, emergency shelter and services for homeless and very low-income persons in Washington, DC. SOME now serves 1,200 meals daily and provides comprehensive outreach services to the poor, utilizing more than 7,000 volunteers. SOME also developed the first single-room-occupancy facility for formerly homeless men in the District of Columbia.

In addition to the aforementioned work, Msgr. Kuehner has been a long-time board member of the Fair Housing Council of Greater Washington and the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington.