(Manassas, Va., December 11, 2013) As part of a state-wide Rapid Re-housing Initiative, Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) has helped 15 families find permanent housing since the start of the “100 Day Challenge” in October. The goal of the campaign is to help 50 homeless families from the greater Prince William community find stable housing solutions by January 24.
“All families are working towards a goal of permanent housing,” said Andrea Zych, NVFS director of housing services, which includes the SERVE Family Shelter. “We try to support families in moving as quickly as makes sense for them because we know that the shorter their episode of homelessness, the greater their long term stability outcomes.”
The Re-housing initiative is part of a Virginia-wide effort to reduce family homelessness launched in 2010 by Governor McDonnell. In addition to NVFS, 33 organizations across the state are participating in the 100 days challenge. Rapid re-housing is a proven and cost-effective strategy that has been used across the country to reduce homelessness. Families are housed in market-rate apartments in the community, and receive rental subsidies and services tailored to their needs. Northern Virginia Family Service has worked since 2009 to develop a robust rapid re-housing program that will be tested by the challenge.
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NVFS invites the community to be a part of the Rapid Re-housing Initiative, as well. While there is an abundance of generosity for SERVE shelter families this time of year, there is no better gift than a home for the holidays. Friends and donors can support NVFS’ efforts to re-house 50 homeless families in just 100 days in one of the following ways:
• A financial contribution for the re-housing fund to assist families with their first month’s rent and security deposits.
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• Welcome Home Baskets - baskets filled with basic necessities everyone needs for their home (sheets, towels, shower curtains, housewares, etc.). A list of suggested items can be found at:http://www.nvfs.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=294241
• Provide a local connection to a property manager or landlord with an affordable unit to rent.
As the largest provider of housing and basic needs assistance in the greater Prince William area, the SERVE campus of Northern Virginia Family Service is addressing the basic needs gap for the lowest income and most vulnerable households. More than 11,000 individuals received services at the SERVE campus last year. Thousands of individuals per year would go without assistance for food, utilities, and emergency shelter were it not for the programs provided by SERVE.
To learn more about the program or to make a contribution to the Rapid Re-Housing Fund, please contact Andrea Zych, Director of Housing Services, at azych@nvfs.org or571.748.2601.