December
2013
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A Home for the Holidays
Overcoming Housing Barriers

 

For many of the people we work with, the holiday season doesn't bring feelings of joy, but instead feelings of uncertainty-uncertainty of their ability to provide their loved ones with positive holiday memories. But, because of the generosity of our supporters, we are able to ease these feelings and hundreds of children, youth, and families in our community are given the chance at a brighter holiday season.

  

The traditional support of a holiday gift continues to generate smiles, but this holiday season we are also asking for help in providing our clients with a Home for the Holidays.  Individuals like Sabrina, who has been battling homelessness all her life-growing up in foster care, transitional housing and shelters-dreams of breaking the cycle of poverty for her children. Recently, Sabrina fled an abusive situation and she is seeking  support to ensure this does not happen again.  

 

Sabrina and her children are now in the care of FACETS and she is working with our staff to overcome the barriers keeping her from safe and sustainable housing. But even with a steady job and adequate income, Sabrina's ability to obtain a home for her family will be especially difficult because of her lack of rental history and a poor credit record. That is why we are asking for your help in locating realtors and/or landlords willing to offer a helping hand to people like Sabrina and her children. A landlord who will waive some of the requirements keeping Sabrina from a home is her key to securing a Home for the Holidays.

 

If you know of a landlord or realtor who wants to take a stand against homelessness, please contact Darcie Mulholland [email protected] or 703-352-6343. Happy Holidays! 

Join us in Welcoming Our New Board Members

 

Please join us in welcoming Nidiah Harvey, Mimi Mazarei, and Brad White to our Board of Directors. Each brings a great set of skills, expertise and the passion to end homelessness in our community.  For a complete listing of all our board members and for more information on Nidiah, Mimi and Brad click here

100 Day Challenge
Update on Rapid Rehousing Challenge 

  

In October, we shared with you a new initiative to move us closer to ending homelessness in our community. Taking a collaborative approach to achieving this goal, FACETS and 32 organizations in Virginia are participating in a challenge called the Rapid Re-Housing Challenge. Each participating organization has set an ambitious housing goal and on December 5th, which marked day 50 of the 100-Day Challenge, 249 families battling homelessness had a place to call home.

 

FACETS' goal is to house 20 families over the 100-Day Challenge and we are proud to have housed nine families so far. With eleven families to go, we are even more motivated to pull together in locating resources for those in need.  You can follow our progress, and that of our community partners, on twitter using the #housingchallenge. For more information on the 100 Day Challenge, please click here.

Connect with FACETS 
 
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Join us and Learn More About Our Work in the Community
Opening the First Door

  

Get to Know FACETS-Join us on Tuesday, January 14th and start the New Year off with a focus on building a stronger community. Hosted at one of our Hypothermia Shelters, guests will see first hand the work we do in the community, and the people we help. Guests will have the opportunity to meet our professional staff and board members. You will not be asked to make a financial contribution, but we welcome your advice and feedback.

 

 

Opening the First Door: Getting to Know FACETS

Tuesday, January 14, 2013

6:30 - 7:30PM

Pender United Methodist Church

12401 Alder Woods Dr, Fairfax, VA 22033

 

To RSVP and for more information click here. You may also contact Liz Griffith at [email protected] or 703-352-3268. 
TRIUMPH II Program Beings in January 
Housing for 18 Individuals who are Chronically Homeless 
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Beginning in January, TRIUMPH II will house 18 of our most vulnerable community members identified through the 100,000 Homes Campaign. Modeled after our current housing program for individual adults, participants will receive intensive in-home case management services from FACETS. Additionally, access to financial, medical and employment resources and life skills courses designed to assist individuals in taking steps towards economic stability will be provided.

 

In order to ensure the start up of this program, we are asking for the community to help with...

  • Moving furniture into the homes - Join our FACETS Moving Crew
  • Donating new and gently used furniture items-Click here for the complete listing
  • Developing a relationship with someone working to break the cycle of poverty - Become a Mentor Today! 

Interested in learning more about how you can get involved? Contact our Volunteer Manager, Alyson Zimbler at [email protected] or 703-865-4251.

 

Please stay tuned for updates on TRIUMPH II and those who have been helped-together we can continue our work to secure a day when everyone in Fairfax County has access to adequate and affordable housing and nobody is homeless.

Spreading Holiday Cheer
Rotary Club of Fairfax Holiday Party 

  

On Monday, the generous members of the Rotary Club of Fairfax held an amazing holiday party for the families we work with; demonstrating their devotion to the Rotary motto "Service Above Self". Complete with a Santa Claus, holiday gifts and dinner, our clients left the party with feelings of amazement-humbled to know there are community members who truly want to bring holiday cheer to those experiencing a challenging time. We thank the Rotary Club of Fairfax for their continual support and for the time, energy and effort each member put into ensuring our client's experienced a brighter holiday.  

Hypothermia Program Kicks-Off

Shelter from the Bitter Winter Season

 

On November 24th, FACETS, in partnership with over 30 faith communities, kicked off is Hypothermia Prevention and Response Program, which provides a safe place to sleep and nutritious meals to men and women who are homeless. Lasting for 16 weeks, guests are provided with a variety of support services through one-on-one case management and life skills workshops. Examples of these services include housing counseling, r�sum� preparation assistance, dental care, health education and legal services. 

  

Because of the personalized services offered, over the past year we have seen a 50% increase in the number of individuals successfully taking steps to break the cycle of poverty. Last year over 270 community members were served with 26 individuals moving off the streets and into housing. This increase and the prevention of deaths from hypothermia are only possible because of our faith community partners and the over 1,500 volunteers that play an essential role in coordinating the shelter program and welcoming our guests.

 

For additional information on our Hypothermia Prevention and Response Program, click here.

Volunteer with us and Truly Make a Difference

Join our Team of Volunteers! 

 

See below a listing of all our current ongoing and one-time volunteer and opportunities. For more details on each, click here. 

  • Wedgewood Community Center Homework Help Volunteers
  • TRIUMPH II Mentors
  • Front Desk Volunteers
  • Furniture Movers

Ready to sign up for any of the above? Contact our Volunteer Manager, Alyson Zimbler at [email protected]

FACETS in the News

FACETS Brings Community Development Program to Annandale's Wedgewood Apartments - Annandale Patch - October 30, 2013

 

The Ultimate Stocking Stuffer: A Room - The Huffington Post - November 21, 2013

 
Holidays are About Giving - The Connection - November 25, 2013
 
 


Charity Holiday Party Provides Kids the Ability to Give a Gift - WUSA9.com - December 18, 2013 

 

Holiday Sibling Shop Spreads the Spirit of Giving - The Burke Connection - December 19, 2013


For a complete listing, please click here
Thank You to Our Sustaining Partner Sponsors

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FACETS
10640 Page Avenue, Suite 300
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-352-5090
www.FacetsCares.org 
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