With Memorial Day just passing, it's important to remember the millions of people who have served our nation, protecting and defending those less fortunate as well as our principles and way of life. As the head of FACETS, a nonprofit serving vulnerable and homeless people in the greater Fairfax area, I know first hand how tragic it is when veterans are not remembered.  That's because we serve many heroes who have become homeless. 

I was honored to share the work we are doing to serve homeless veterans on NBC4's Viewpoint this past Sunday. Check our website soon for the full video of the interview. 
 
It's hard to fathom that so many brave soldiers are now living in shelters, motels, cars, and even the woods. In fact, about 25 percent of our clients are veterans and this number is growing.  Lately, we have seen an increase in the number of veterans that are severely mentally ill and older seeking help.  Most of these veterans also have deteriorating health conditions and access services through the Veteran's Administration.  I am saddened that their sacrifice did not end when their service did, but the good news is that we can work to make their lives better.  Many just need help to break down barriers and connect them to needed support. 
 
I had the privilege of meeting one such hero recently. Over the winter, Joe, a veteran from the Iraq/Afghanistan Wars who was living in the woods in Fairfax, came into the County's Hypothermia Prevention Response Program, a partnership between the government, nonprofits and the faith community to provide shelter, hot meals, services, and companionship for our area's homeless. 
 
Even though he was homeless, Joe was attending NOVA under the GI Bill. His goal was to attain an Associate's degree and then become a certified electrician. Through the Hypothermia program, he was able to find indoor places to study for his various classes.  Working with FACETS' staff, Joe was urged to meet with a mental health worker, which he credits with helping him overcome issues related to post-traumatic stress. 
 
Today, Joe is out of the woods-literally and figuratively. He is living in supportive housing where he continues to have access to needed social services.  In addition, he has earned his degree and is ready to work. 
 
There are many other veterans like Joe who have goals and dreams.  They volunteered to serve our nation and have fallen on tough times.  That's why during this time of remembrance, it's important to not let these veterans become fallen heroes.  We can and must reach out to them, offering them a chance to fully participate and succeed in the democracy that they helped protect. 
 
As we honor our veterans this past Memorial Day, I hope people will have more compassion for our nation's homeless heroes.  It's time we welcome more of them home. 
 
Amanda Andere
Executive Director
FACETS

Thanks to everyone who was able to join us Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 8am for FACETS' annual Benefit Breakfast!  It was wonderful to see so many FACETS supporters in one room - the Waterford Fair Oaks ballroom was filled with over 450 people who heard moving testimonials from FACETS clients and volunteers.


We were honored to have Congressman Gerry Connolly welcome everyone to the Breakfast and share his long history of partnering with FACETS.  In a letter to attendees Connolly wrote:

The mission of FACETS is ...accomplished by being a primary
catalyst for bringing together those in need with those who can help meet those needs.  Originally founded in 1988, FACETS has grown to offer varying programs designed to meet ever increasing challenges. In 2009, over 42,000 meals were served to homeless men, women and children in Fairfax County. Nearly 4,800 individuals were assisted in the past year alone, representing an astonishing 62% increase over the prior 12 month period. The support of business, faith, and government partners combined with the selfless service of the staff and volunteers has enabled FACETS to meet these increased demands... I would like to commend FACETS for their service
to the community.

Jerome shared his story of losing his house and ending up in a homeless shelter to graduating from FACETS' housing program.  He now works full time as a Director at a drop in center that helps people in this community. 

Sarah and Yeni spoke about their involvement in FACETS' girl power program. The program and mentorship from FACETS' volunteer Amy has helped them to strengthen valuable friendships, achieve more in school and become involved in their community.

Finally FACETS super volunteer Nella spoke about her work helping both FACETS' Hypothermia Prevention Program in the winter and our Housing First Program where she helped FACETS move five homeless families and nine chronically homeless individuals into apartments this March, and why FACETS services are invaluable to so many in our community.

FACETS has been the answer to so many of our neighbors in need and will continue to make an impact in this community with your help.  We can only help people like Jerome, Sarah, Yeni and Ibrahim with the generous support of our community. A contribution to FACETS ensures so many will know they are not alone and will help rebuild lives. Please consider making a gift by clicking here or return this form via mail or fax. There are also plenty of volunteer opportunities listed below. Thanks in advance for your generous support of our work.

First Graduate From Linda's Gateway Program!

Facets is very excited to report Chanahvia Hall has graduated from our Linda's Gateway supportive housing program.  The program which bypasses the typical path of motel to shelter to transitional housing, instead moves homeless families into furnished apartments where they work with FACETS' case managers to help them transition more readily into permanent housing. Chanahvia and her three young children will be moving into public housing in South Carolina. She has already signed her lease and with the help of a moving truck from FACETS will be moving in this month.  While in FACETS' program, Chanahvia gave birth to her first daughter Daliyah . Volunteers from Burke United Methodist Church assisted the family with prepared meals after the baby was born, donated household supplies, diapers, and even found a car that could be donated to Ms. Hall. She received the car this morning, June 1. FACETS paid for car repairs, license plates, registration, title, and car insurance.

Read more about Chanahvia's inspiring story and FACETS' program in the Fairfax Times profile.