Summer 2009 Neighborhood Newsletter

About Us

Dear Friends, 2009 has begun as a tumultuous year. The stock market is constantly in flux, unemployment is on the rise and credit is almost non-existent. Everyday we hear grim stories about how the American economy is suffering.

Shelter House, Inc. is a community-based 501(c)(3) organization in Fairfax County serving homeless families.

Our Mission Shelter House, Inc. helps break the cycle of homelessness by providing crisis intervention, temporary housing, training, counseling, and programs to promote self-sufficiency.

Our Vision Shelter House, Inc.’s vision is to be the premier organization in eliminating homelessness by empowering families to reach their full potential.

Here at Shelter House, we are telling a different story. Our community partnerships are continuing to grow, our programs are expanding, our volunteers are more devoted than ever and most importantly, our families are succeeding.

Our History Shelter House was formed in 1981 when several ecumenical groups came together to better serve Fairfax County’s low income population. In 1985, Shelter House’s facility was moved to its first permanent location in Falls Church.

In March of this year, 8 Shelter House families moved into permanent housing. We were able to recruit an additional housing resource coordinator, focusing our efforts on permanent housing for all of our families. Moreover, our intake and rapid exit coordinators are equipped to prevent homelessness before families enter our shelters by providing resources to keep them in their homes while they get back on their feet.

In 2007, Shelter House was awarded Fairfax County’s contract to operate the new Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter (KHFS). This shelter is the first in Fairfax County to operate using the “Housing First” model, which emphasizes shorter shelter stays and continued support once families move into permanent housing. Shelter House assumed operations of this new facility in July 2007 and families began moving into the shelter in August. By October 2007, the shelter reached its capacity of 20 families.

Everyday people are facing foreclosures, lay-offs and cutbacks, but we are equipped to weather this storm. Community partners are reaching out to provide supplies and labor, allowing us to focus our funds on keeping families together and in their homes.

To find out more about Shelter House, Inc. and Housing First, please visit our website: www.shelterhouse.org

Review Team Jewell Mikula Joe Meyer Jill Shumann Toya Taylor Christin Durham

Get involved in your community by offering your time! There are a multitude of ways to join the Shelter House, Inc. crew as a volunteer. To find out more please contact the appropriate Community Coordinator: Victor Dooley Patrick Henry Family Shelter P.O. Box 4081 Falls Church, VA 22044 703.538.7105 [email protected]

Kristen Lenz Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter 13000 Lee Highway Fairfax, VA 22030 571.522.6815 [email protected]

Sponsor an Event Join in the celebration by sponsoring a Shelter House, Inc. event. Options include: The Annual Casino Night and Silent Auction, The Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and Annual Meeting, The Help the Homeless Walkathon and other events. Sponsorships decrease costs and provide funds for direct services. Plus, you or your company will receive GREAT benefits. For more information contact: Jill Shumann Director of Development 703.532.2167 [email protected]

P.O. Box 4081 Falls Church, VA 22044

Director of Development P.O. Box 4081 Falls Church, VA 22044

or donate online at

www.shelterhouse.org

Donate Items Shelter House accepts donations of non-perishable food, personal hygiene items and select household goods. Visit our website to review our in-kind donation policy and view a wishlist reflecting current needs at each shelter.

Make a Planned Gift Planned giving, or donating as part of a will, bequest or other charitable trust, is a great way to contribute and leave a lasting legacy to families in Fairfax County. For more information please contact:

In this issue... Casino Night 2009! Thinking Ahead: Shelter House, Inc. Events Throughout 2009

Sponsor Spotlight: Companies Showing That Even a Recession Can’t Extinguish Philanthropy And more!

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neighbors helping neighbors

A Community That Cares: Volunteers Helping Shelter House Continue Its Mission!

Sincerely,

Jewell Mikula Executive Director Shelter House, Inc.

Your financial contributions help support a wide array of DIRECT services, which we offer to the families of Shelter House, Inc. Contributions can be mailed to:

Jill Shumann Director of Development 703.532.2167 [email protected]

Together, we can make it through these tough times and see brighter horizons on the other side.

Photography Victor Dooley (Page 1) Maggie Szymanek (Page 1) Emily Rivera (Pages 3 and 5) Jill Shumann (Page 4) Pat Haffey-Baldwin (Page 4)

Layout & Photo Editing Victor Dooley © 2009 Shelter House, Inc. - All rights reserved.

Make a Financial Contribution

Volunteer

Yes, Shelter House is stronger than ever, but we couldn’t do it without your help. Join us in our mission to prevent homelessness in the Fairfax-Falls Church community by visiting our website, www.shelterhouse.org and seeing the many ways in which you can help.

Credits

Contributing Editors Virginia Araujo Kristen Lenz Jill Shumann Victor Dooley Joe Meyer

How You Can Help...

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Neighborhood Newsletter A Shelter House Family Turns Helplessness into Hope by: Virginia Araujo

Ms. Zack and her three teenage children were petitioned to come to the U.S. by her husband in January 2008. When she arrived, her dream of a stable family life was shattered when she found that her husband was living with someone else and would only provide her rent assistance for her own place.

helped her to regain her confidence and strength.

Ms. Zack filed and followed up with child and spousal support, applied for food stamps, obtained a part time job in addition to her full time employment and learned to file her taxes, increasing her income and resources while paying off her Within six months, the family had debts, establishing a budget and saving relocated twice because her husband money. Ms. Zack saved over $8,000 failed to assist them with rent. Ms. during her 3 month stay at the Katherine Zack attained partK. Hanley Family time employment her ...her children nicknamed the Shelter. She also second day in the U.S. enrolled into the Katherine K. Hanley Family Virginia Individual which turned into a full-time maintenance Shelter “Papa Shelter” because D e v e l o p m e n t position, but over they got all the support and Account Program time fell into financial understanding that a parent (VIDA) to help her hardship after her save towards home husband stopped could give his children. ownership. making housing payments. Ms. Zack also participated in ESOL classes This led to the family’s need to move into and other activities. She learned to be shelter for the first time. very resourceful and hopes to continue learning more about life in the US. Ms. Once Ms. Zack settled into her temporary Zack moved into her own basement home at the Katherine K. Hanley Family apartment with all three of her children Shelter, she confided that she was afraid and plans to continue to be involved with of her husband due to a history physical Shelter House community programs. and emotional abuse. Ms. Zack was immediately referred to legal services and Continued bottom of page 2... provided mental health services, which 1

By the Numbers

Blackboard “Cheers” a Successful Fundraising Event by: Victor Dooley

On Thursday March 18th, Blackboard Inc. held its annual Cheers for Charity fundraiser at their beautiful new offices in Penn Quarter. This is the third year that Shelter House, Inc. has been the chosen beneficiary for this event. Blackboard is world renowned for reshaping the way people learn by incorporating technology and education. The funds raised during this event go directly into Shelter House programs, providing life skills education for our families. This year, our friends at Blackboard raised over $7,700! We thank this unique and dedicated community partner.

Shelter House has increased our capacity to serve! Check out these graphs that show how many more families we have been able to serve in 2009! The FY 09 numbers are through March 2009 (the fiscal year ends on June 30th). 150

Shelter House has increased the total number of families that we are able to serve by 11%!

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Discovery Toys Enriches Shelter House Children

Casino Night Delightful Despite Drizzle

Save the Date!

by: Victor Dooley

Shelter House’s Annual Casino Night and Silent Auction drew over 170 people to the Grand Atrium in Vienna for a damp, but rousing evening of games, laughs and celebration, all to help homeless families in our community. Over 60 generous community partners contributed items from velvety Crabtree and Evelyn bath products to a timeshare in Costa Rica and through the generosity of our donors (including Capital One) and patrons, we were able to raise over $59,000. All funds from the evening will go directly to Shelter House services and providing stability for families returning to permanent housing.

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and Annual Meeting June 9, 2009 - 6:30 p.m.

Join us for our a special event at the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Community Hall. We will recognize special volunteers and discuss Shelter House’s successes and plans for the year to come! RSVP by June 2nd to Victor Dooley (703.538.7105 or [email protected]).

Special thanks to our signature sponsor

Centreville Day September 26, 2009 - 10:00 a.m. Come visit Shelter House’s info booth at this fun community festival. Bring the kids! Shelter House also needs volunteers to help staff the booth and inform the community about how we help to prevent homelessness. Contact Sarah Schultz (703.536.5383 or [email protected]).

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FY 08

FY 09

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by: Jill Shumann

The percentage of Shelter House families who go directly into permanent housing is up 18%!

Shelter House is grateful to Cindy Connors of Discovery Toys for being such a great partner. In November, Cindy hosted an open house where Shelter House earned free toys for our shelters. We had no idea at the time that Cindy’s generosity was just beginning. She has since recommended Shelter House as the beneficiary of “toyraisers” held by her friends, business clients, and other Discovery Toys consultants. In all, Shelter House has earned over $800 in free NEW toys. These toys are placed in the community rooms of both shelters for use by all Shelter House kids. Because they are both fun and educational, we also use the toys as part of our tutoring programs. As if this weren’t enough, Cindy’s son recently completed three months of volunteer service at the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter. Thank you, Cindy, for your commitment to homeless family in our community! If you are interested in hosting a Discovery Toys party and earning free toys for Shelter House, contact Cindy at [email protected].

Clifton Day October 11, 2009 - 10:00 a.m.

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61%

70% 55%

43%

Clifton Day is a non profit festival generating publicity and funding for a variety of local organizations. Come to downtown Clifton to visit Shelter House’s booth and even volunteer to help inform and spread Shelter House’s message! Contact Sarah Schultz.

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FY 08

FY 08

FY 09

Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walk-a-Thon November 21, 2009 - 7:30 a.m.

The number of families in permanent housing who benefit from our community case management program has more than doubled!

The Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon is not only an awesome and powerful fundraising event, it is a tradition for the Washington Metro Region. As the date approaches, visit Shelter House’s website to find out how you can get involved. Besides the big event on the National Mall, there are mini-walks throughout the community in which you can participate. Help us continue this rich and philanthropic tradition. Contact Sarah Schultz.

Whole Foods “Nickels for Nonprofits” Ongoing - Whole Foods Tyson’s

FY 09

Ms. Zack expressed great appreciation to KHFS staff and stated that her children and she were very pleased with the services provided. Ms. Zack stated that her children had nicknamed Katherine Hanley Family Shelter “Papa Shelter” because they got all the support and understanding that a parent could give his children. Shelter House, Inc. congratulates Ms. Zack on her successes and will continue to be a supportive resource in her path towards self-sufficiency. 2

Keep an eye out for the upcoming and on-going “Nickels for Nonprofits” program at Whole Foods Tyson’s. When you use your own bag for groceries, the nickel you save can now be given directly to Shelter House. Save the planet and help homeless families in your community in the process! 3

Old Dominion Cotillion is Recognized for Its Dedication to the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter by: Kristen Lenz

The Old Dominion Cotillion is providing the opportunity for positive learning experiences through a year-long program of social and educational activities designed to assist the Debutantes in developing practical skills in etiquette, poise, communication and social responsibility aimed at the attainment of confidence, grace and gentility.

while helping Shelter House save critically-needed funds. In 2008 alone, the teenagers of ODC volunteered over 130 hours at the shelter and at least another 150 offsite. Members of the Old Dominion Cotillion have made a personal impact on the homeless families residing at the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter by easing stress and boosting morale among our families as they make the difficult transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

For over a year, the young women of ODC have partnered with Shelter House, Inc. and the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter by hosting Family Fun Days, monthly birthday parties, and our 2008 holiday party, Winter Wonderland. For each of these events, members planned and implemented activities like crafts, face painting, games, balloon tosses, and much more. They also provided treats such as cake and ice cream sundaes, gifts, prizes, and goodie bags. Furthermore, Old Dominion Cotillion has filled dozens of shifts staffing our Children’s Resource Room, serving dinner to our 65 residents, and coordinating Kids Night activities. Last but not least, ODC’s contributions of prepared food have been wonderful treats for our families

In addition to these phenomenal contributions, ODC was recently awarded a Fairfax County Volunteer Service Award for Youth Volunteer Group. This amazing county-wide recognition is not only a proud achievement for Shelter House, but is also another indication of Old Dominion Cotillion’s impact on our community. Shelter House, Inc. is so very grateful to have a relationship with Old Dominion Cotillion and we look forward to working with future classes of the cotillion!

I.R.I.S. Brings the Excitement of Home Improvement Shows to Shelter House’s Patrick Henry Family Shelter by: Victor Dooley

Shelter House has been cultivating a very special relationship over the past few months. When we introduced our Adopt-an-Apartment program, which invites community partners to redesign our apartments, providing more comforting spaces for our families, a very special group took notice. The Interior Redesign Industry Specialists (I.R.I.S.) take their cue from television programs like “Extreme Makeover” and “Deserving Design,” where professional designers remake the living spaces of deserving families to create an inviting and warm home while they get back

on their feet. At Shelter House’s Patrick Henry Family Shelter, I.R.I.S. has been working miracles. Using donated and discarded furnishings, along with the furniture available in our apartments, I.R.I.S. has done a facelift on the shelter’s living spaces. Their creativity and resourcefulness not only creates inviting spaces for our families, but promotes Shelter House’s green initiatives by reusing furnishings otherwise destined for a landfill. I.R.I.S. also partnered with 1-800-PackRat, Jerry’s Paints, Sherwin-Williams, Fisher’s Hardware, American Foam Center and Coverage, Inc. Insurance Specialists to provide supplies, storage and sweat-equity to make the vision of a Shelter House redesign a huge success.

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To find out more about Interior Redesign Industry Specialists, please visit www.weredesign.com.