It's a good day at Pathway Homes.

A good day is any day that we move closer to realizing our vision: a future in which all individuals with mental illnesses and co-occurring disabilities are able to lead meaningful, self-directed lives in a home of their choice, with the supports and services they need. Some days we take one step forward; some days we take a step backwards.   Today, I am elated because we are about to take 55 steps forward!

We are preparing to welcome 55 more men and women into our Pathway Homes family. Thanks to the one million dollar grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), we have the additional capacity to extend our services and case management to 55 new residents in permanent supportive housing.

Pathway Homes worked in partnership with the Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH) to obtain the HUD funding, and continues this collaboration to identify potential residents. According to the stipulations of this particular grant, candidates for these additional housing units must meet the HUD definition for current or chronic homelessness, within the jurisdictional boundaries of Fairfax County. In addition, those candidates who also present with a serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorder are given priority status.

The funding expands our capacity to provide the on-going supportive services that, combined with stable housing, are proven to encourage and support individuals on their road to recovery. We are in the process of hiring five new counselors to meet the needs of the additional residents. As a result, our new residents can look forward to weekly visits for case management support and skill-building services.

Christian Relief Services, a long-time partner of Pathway Homes, is working to secure the additional properties, mostly in the Annandale, Falls Church and Alexandria area. There will be some shared housing, based on availability, compatibility, and resident need, but the majority of these new residents will enjoy a single-occupancy unit to call their very own. Working together, our two agencies are not just providing housing, we are saying to those we serve, "Welcome to your new home." We anticipate the first of the new Pathways residents to move into their new homes by the end of August.

At Pathway Homes, Opening New Doors is not just a symbolic theme; we are literally opening new doors for people in need. I want to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly to bring about this wonderful opportunity. When we all work together, the community wins. This is our mission in action; this is how we are going to achieve that vision where all individuals in need have a place to call home.

Sincerely,