Friday, January 27, 2012

Partnership in Action: Pathway Homes
NSP-funded Home Operated By Those Served

Having a sense of community and a place to call home is all Eleanor Pohorylo ever wanted. Pathway Homes, a local non-profit that provides supportive affordable housing to persons with disabilities, was able to make Eleanor’s dream a reality.  In September 2010, Pathway Homes purchased and renovated a foreclosed home in the Chantilly area using federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds provided by the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) and the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

The home is fully operated by its residents. A peer counselor from Pathway Homes lives with the residents. The residents are responsible for the daily operations of the home including expenditure, assigning housekeeping tasks among each other, and internally resolving conflicts. When vacancies occur, residents are responsible for the selection of tenants by conducting interviews. The program offers residents an opportunity to strengthen their skills and allows them to be self-sufficient. In addition, the program assists residents with employment opportunities and career development.

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A “Hand Up”, Not a Handout:  Housing Choice Voucher Participant Moves Toward Self-Sufficiency, Gives Another Family a Chance to Succeed

Sonia Sabath, a former participant in the Housing Choice Voucher program, recently gave up her voucher so another family would have the same opportunity to succeed.  Sonia, who had a voucher through the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority, left the program last November and moved into a new home. 

Over the years, Sonia worked as many as three jobs at once in an effort to give her three children a better life. When Sonia had trouble making ends meet, she applied for and received a Housing Choice Voucher. The rental assistance she received with her voucher allowed her to focus more on her children.  Now adults, Sonia’s children all have successful careers; two them have master’s degrees and one is planning on becoming a doctor. 

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A Warm Bed on a Cold Night:  Fairfax County’s Hypothermia Prevention Program

As winter weather brings freezing temperatures, the risk of hypothermia and even death is a very real concern for our homeless population. Fairfax County’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness is collaborating with local non-profits to safeguard vulnerable residents and provide shelter and services during the winter months through the Hypothermia Prevention Program.  In addition, Fairfax County’s human service agencies provide supportive services with case management for homeless individuals and families. 

Click here to read the full article

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