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Posted Nov. 15, 2002

Shelter Made Possible by Community's Support

To the editor:

In November, the Embry Rucker Community Shelter in Reston will be celebrating its 15th year as a homeless shelter. The existence of this homeless shelter is the result of a determined and caring community coming together to solve the growing problem of homelessness in Fairfax County.

Reston Interfaith, Inc., founded in 1970 by local religious communities, along with other community leaders, led the way in advocating for a homeless shelter in Reston to accommodate the growing numbers of people being housed in churches, synagogues, and then Supervisor Martha Pennino's office. In November 1987, Fairfax County completed construction on what is now known as the Embry Rucker Community Shelter and contracted with Reston Interfaith to operate the facility.

The shelter has the capacity to house 60 people: 20 single men, 8 single women and 10 families with children (32 beds). The shelter is always full because we have a growing need for affordable housing in the County, and an even greater need for shelter space. There is a list of about 60 families waiting to enter a shelter. In FY 02, ERCS served 670 people and provided 97,165 hot meals, snacks and bag lunches. The shelter provides residents with such life skills training as parenting classes, computer training, employment assistance, financial management, tax preparation, tutoring for children, adult education and ESL classes.

None of this would be possible without the support of the communities of Reston, Herndon, Great Falls, Vienna and surrounding communities. Caring individuals, businesses, and religious congregations in this area collectively donate toiletries, food, clothing, household goods, vehicles, computers and gift certificates that are used by residents and by those leaving us for a permanent home of their own. To provide our clients with the level of service needed to help them move forward, the shelter's staff welcomes the contribution of over 500 volunteers each year who provide an incredible 6,500 hours of service to make the shelter program a success.

While Reston Interfaith continues to work on addressing some of the major issues that lead to homelessness, it is comforting to know that our community stands behind us through the good times and the bad. We are surrounded by extraordinarily generous and giving people, who continually show that they care about those less fortunate in the community. Reston Interfaith thanks you for your support over the past 15 years and we look forward to working with you in the years to come.

B. J. Silvey

President

Reston Interfaith Board of Directors