As Pathway Homes joined our nonprofit colleagues, local officials and Fairfax County partners in the 100,000 Homes Campaign to raise awareness and support for the homeless in our area, I felt renewed hope that we will eradicate homelessness in our community.   

Since the registry week, the outpouring of support and interest from members of the community is amazing.  We have received several calls and e-mails from individuals saying "I want to help!" 

In our daily efforts to meet the needs of those we serve, we never take for granted how critical your support is to helping realize our mission.   The campaign successfully educated many caring members of our community on ways they can partner with us as we continue to support each individual we serve on their personal journey toward achieving self-fulfillment and realizing their dreams.

Unfortunately, my hope is tempered as I hear about the negative impact sequestration and other upcoming regulatory changes will have on many domestic programs.  The significant fiscal contractions projected for the coming years will impact critical programs like Section 8 Rental Assistance, mental health support services and Community Development Block Grant funding.  I am quite concerned that federal spending reductions in areas where so many of our most vulnerable lack needed services will result in an adverse ripple effect for our communities. 

It will take a great deal of creativity, collaboration and faith to continue to help the most vulnerable in our communities. I look forward to collaborating with our public and private partners to further the goal to house the most vulnerable members of our community, and to continue to provide the supports necessary to keep them in those homes.

Sincerely,

Sylisa Lambert-Woodard, EdD, LCSW, LSATP, MAC

President and CEO