Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Out of Tragedy, a Journey Toward Independence:
One Family, a Place to Call Home, and a Chance for Self-Sufficiency

Karren Dubose, a Housing Choice Voucher participant and resident of Reston, wanted nothing more than to achieve self-sufficiency for her and her children.  Her journey from incarceration and homelessness to a permanent, stable home and increased self-sufficiency is a testament of her hard work and determination. 

Karren's Story

Karren experienced tough times when  her and her husband divorced. Soon after, Karen lost custody of her children and had financial problems.  It was when Karen hit rock bottom that she  was referred to the non-profit organization Shelter House, which operates the Katherine Hanley Shelter. Karren worked with Shelter House and took a parenting course to regain custody of her son. Karren worked with Brian Rick, a case worker at the Katherine Hanley Shelter that provided her with supportive services such as helping her participate in job training groups. “Brian Rick saw more in me than I could see. He knew that I could make so much more money I just needed to keep looking for that better job.”

Click here to read the full article.

Partners in Action: Mondloch House

Mondloch House, a 45-bed homeless shelter in the Lee District, is slated for renovation to create 20 much-needed affordable efficiency units.  The Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development is developing the “Residences at Mondloch” in partnership with the Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, New Hope Housing, and other community partners.

Mondloch is currently is operated by New Hope Housing under contract with the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH).  Both New Hope Housing and OPEH expressed an interest in upgrading the building and improving its functionality to provide efficiency units for formerly homeless adults under a Housing First Program. The project is expected to renovate the existing 8,463 square foot building and add 2,953 square feet of new floor space.

Renovation of Mondloch is expected to begin in June 2012 with an anticipated completion date of June 2013. An estimated $3,353,204 will be used for substantial renovation of the existing homeless shelter facility and conversion to residential studio units for “Housing First.”

Click here to view a rendering of Residences at Mondloch.
Click here to view a colored elevation.
Click here to view the floor plan for Residences at Mondloch

Free Tax Preparation: There’s Still Time!

The Fairfax County Department of Family Services is leading the campaign this year for the Northern Virginia Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope (CASH) Campaign. This program has volunteers to assist with the filing of federal income tax returns. Sites are open until April 17, 2012.

If you worked in 2011 and earned less than $50,000, then you may qualify for this free program. The following is a list of things to bring with you:

• Photo ID
• Social Security Cards and birthdates for all parties
• Wage/earnings statements
• Unemployment compensation,
• Interest and dividend statements
• Day care expenses paid in 2011, day care provider’s name, address and Federal ID number
• Student loan interest payments, record of tuition or student loan payments
• Copy of last year’s federal and state returns
• Record of any sales tax paid on new vehicles purchased in 2011
• Record of any real estate taxes paid in 2011
• Record of any economic recovery payment received.

Bring a check or deposit slip if you want direct deposit for any refund for which you are eligible.

Please also note that if you are married and filing a joint return both husband and wife must be present.

Sites are conveniently located throughout Northern Virginia. For specifics regarding each location or to find out about appointments, please go to http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs or to http://www.nvacash.org/vita or contact Falls Church SkillSource Center by phone at 703-533-5400 or TTY 703-533-5316.

©2005. This Web site is maintained by the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development
3700 Pender Drive, Suite 300, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 | 703-246-5101 | rha@fairfaxcounty.gov

Fairfax County is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in all County programs, services and activities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request. To request special accommodations call 703-246-5101 or TTY 703-385-3578. Please allow seven working days to make the necessary arrangements.