Community Corner

FACETS Finds New Homes, Lives for Families

Volunteers work with over 12,000 people waiting for affordable housing in Fairfax County.

It was difficult for Lakesha to move 875 miles from everything she had ever known. What she didn't expect, however, was that a new life in Fairfax City would see her homeless, unemployed and at the mercy of the kindness of others.

"I have two children and winter was right around the corner," she said, tearfully recalling her situation to a crowded Waterford of Fair Oaks crowd Tuesday morning. "My 13-year-old son was very scared. Thankfully my daughter was too young to understand."

She turned to FACETS in November 2010 having run out options. Within three weeks the non-profit placed her small family in a hotel, then a fully furnished apartment. They helped her get a full time position as a human relations specialist. Finally, in March, Lakesha and her children moved into their new home.

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"This is a mirage," she said. "What did I do to deserve this?"

FACETS staffers and volunteers cried as she told her story. Guests at the annual breakfast benefit were urged to donate funds to continue aiding those who need help most. Efforts like Linda's Gateway Program, the one Lakesha benefited from, assist poverty-stricken, unemployed and homeless families find jobs and low-income housing in the Northern Virginia region.

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The Linda's Gateway Program secures transitional housing for families. Started in March 2010, the program offers budget, community resource and job skills assistance. Last year five families went through the program. Of those five, three moved into their own homes and all either found jobs or opportunities to make more money.

FACETS also provides permanent supportive housing for individuals beaten down by a string of misfortunes.

Deric accepted a new job in 2008, only to have the position fall through at the last minute. His landlord understood, but there was little Deric could do about rent as time went on and he still couldn't secure employment. So he took to the streets, living outside for two years before stumbling across FACETS.

He was nervous at first, not sure whether to apply for FACETS assistance. The anxiety didn't stop when FACETS accepted his case. He was no longer used to living in one place for a time and was unsure about having a roommate. 

Deric moved into a new home about a year ago. Though he remains unemployed, his circumstances don't seem as dire.

"I'm not totally out of the woods yet," he said. "I'm more than halfway there. When I finally get a job, I won't have to worry about my safety and where I'm going to go next."

Last year volunteers spent over 30,000 hours delivering 42,000 hot meals to homeless individuals and giving school supplies to over 600 children and adults. About 12,000 people are waiting to get affordable housing in Fairfax County.

Click here to learn more about FACETS. Want to volunteer? Make a donation? FACETS accepts help in all forms.


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