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.

Eleanor’s Story
Eleanor Pohorylo has resided in Pathway’s Chantilly home since July of last year. Before moving into the home, Eleanor had a long history of alcohol abuse and homelessness, and was in and out of prison.  She wanted to change her life for the better, and asked a judge to help her connect with rehabilitative services. Eleanor was referred to Crossroads, an alcohol and drug abuse rehabilitation and transitional housing program. Upon graduating the program, she was referred to Pathway Homes. Eleanor has now been clean and sober for two and a half years and loves her new home. “When you’re homeless, you have no one to help guide you, this program has enabled me to live in a safe, secure home and concentrate on my recovery,” said Eleanor. She hopes to enroll in school and concentrate in the areas of Peer Coaching and Substance Abuse.

“Pathway Homes and the residents … are incredibly appreciative of the collaborative efforts amongst Pathways, HCD and Consolidated Community Funding Pool (CCFP) that made this dream a reality,” said Kelly Belcher Recovery Coach, Pathway Homes.

About Pathway Homes: Pathway Homes, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing supportive services and non-time-limited affordable housing to adults with serious mental illnesses in Northern Virginia.

Eleanor Pohorylo