You’ve Asked How You Can Help
NVFS responds each day to our region’s diverse needs, which are evolving as we respond to the impact of recent events on local families. Help increase our ability to assist and to foster a strong, vibrant community by donating today >>
Did You Know? You can request that Amazon donate 0.5% of your purchases to NVFS through AmazonSmile >>
Across our three emergency shelters in Fairfax and Prince William counties, Northern Virginia Family Service helps nearly 2,000 homeless children and adults each year access stable housing, allowing them to focus on improving their situation and building greater opportunities to thrive. See how our support impacts our neighbors in need:
“It was a true learning experience. They give you the tools to go forward.” – Former resident at NVFS’ Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center
“Staff are good listeners and always make time to address your situation.” – Former resident at NVFS’ Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center
“Everyone that works here is very, very supportive. I love them all. I want to thank everyone for letting me stay here!” – Former resident at NVFS’ SERVE Family Shelter
“We were presented with a plan to follow. I was able to obtain a job after one week of being there. After a while, my case manager at Bailey’s brought wonderful news: the possibility to apply for housing assistance through the county. Now we can stand on our feet again. Finally, our days are bright again and our future is hopeful.“ (Read the full story >>) – Former resident at NVFS’ Bailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter
Why Dominion Foundation Supports NVFS and its Homeless Services
NVFS was the recent recipient of a $20,000 grant awarded by the Dominion Foundation, the charitable arm of Dominion Resources. The grant will be used to support all of NVFS’ homeless services, which are based on a Rapid Re-Housing model that aims to make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring. Find out why Dominion chooses to give back to the community through NVFS:
With so many nonprofits in the DC area, why does Dominion choose to support NVFS? NVFS is an excellent institution providing a very valuable service to our community. They are worthy of our support.
What impact does Dominion feel it is able to achieve through NVFS, or more specifically, through this grant? We feel that, as a company, we are only as strong as the weakest segment of the communities we serve. We are our brothers’ and our sisters’ keeper.
How has Dominion been able to engage further in the work of NVFS over the years, and how does it see itself getting more involved in the homeless services arena as the result of this grant? Dominion has been involved with and supportive of NVFS for many years, specifically with regard to its SERVE Campus in Prince William County. Dominion has also been a longtime sponsor of NVFS’ Road to Independence Gala, which is their primary fundraising event and celebrates the more than 34,000 individuals served by NVFS each year.
Rapid Re-Housing: The Core of NVFS’ Homeless Services
What is Rapid Re-Housing, and why does NVFS implement it at its homeless shelters?
Rapid Re-Housing is part of a strategy that prioritizes providing permanent housing to homeless families and individuals as soon as possible. It is based on the concept that stable housing is the primary need, and that other, potentially underlying, issues can and should be addressed after the family or individual is housed.
NVFS currently implements Rapid Re-Housing at all three of its homeless shelters. As a result, 88 percent of our shelter clients in the past year did not return to homelessness.
This approach aligns with regional best practices, as well as federal and state goals to prevent and end homelessness.
Looking for More Ways to Spread ♥ in Your Community?
Check out our high-priority volunteer and in-kind donation needs to make an immediate impact in your local community. For more updates throughout the month, follow NVFS on Facebook and/or Twitter to stay up-to-date on local opportunities to give back.
Top Item Needs: Our homeless shelters are in need of new pillows, twin/full sheets/blankets (we accept new and gently used), new towels, cleaning products and paper products. Items can be donated directly to any of our shelters. Visit our full wishlist >>
Thank you for investing in families and strengthening communities.
Northern Virginia Family Service 10455 White Granite Dr., Suite 100, Oakton VA 22124 571.748.2500
501(c)(3) ID: 54-0791977
United Way: #8099 | CFC: #79645
“More people should volunteer. The real reward of volunteering is showing up and being involved with the clients, learning that they are just like anybody else you come in contact with.”
