For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Good Shepherd Housing Press Contact: Dia Ruocco, druocco@goodhousing.org, 703-245-1951
Good Shepherd Housing Celebrates Acquisition of Its 100th Home
Fairfax County, Va. – On August 8, 2024, Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services, Inc. (GSH) acquired its 100th unit. This three-bedroom apartment in Terrace Towne of Gunston (Hagel Circle) was acquired using HOME CHDO funds granted by the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development and private contributions. Each acquisition expands GSH’s ability to offer permanent affordable rental housing in Fairfax County.
A special ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorating the acquisition was held on September 23, 2024. Several state and county officials attended the ceremony, including:
· Gerry Connolly, Member, United States Congress, 11th Congressional District
· Dan Storck, Member, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Mount Vernon District
· Andres Jimenez, Member, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Mason District
· Rodney Lusk, Member, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Franconia District
· Rozia Henson, Member, Virginia House of Delegates, 19th District
“Today, we celebrate not just a milestone for Good Shepherd Housing but a profound commitment to our community,” said Congressman Gerry Connolly. “A home is the cornerstone of family life that provides a sanctuary where families build their futures, have safety, create memories, and find stability. The opening of this 100th unit by Good Shepherd Housing is a testament to what we can achieve together—public partnerships providing families in need with the security and dignity they deserve. This new unit, made possible by federal HOME grant funds, offers a vital lifeline to families in need, and its ideal location near the Lorton Community Action Center, public library, parks, and public transportation enhances accessibility and opportunity.”
Pictured from L to R: Former GSH Board Member Paula Lettice, GSH Board Member Laurie MacNamara, GSH Board Chair Erica McCants, Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez, GSH Executive Director Genee Hayes, Congressman Gerry Connolly, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck, Delegate Rozia Henson, Former GSH Board Member Jim Sullivan, Joanna Sullivan, Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, GSH Board Member Pete Gartlan
GSH Executive Director Genee Hayes shared, “For over 50 years, GSH has helped turn the key to brighter futures for those at risk of being unhoused or priced out of their communities. At the heart of our mission is a unique approach: purchasing properties and transforming them into affordable housing solutions. This strategy enables us to unlock the doors to safe, stable homes, laying the groundwork for our residents’ personal growth and community resilience.”
Congressman Connolly added, regarding GSH celebrating its 50th anniversary, “I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Good Shepherd Housing, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and the Department of Housing and Community Development for their unwavering dedication to housing solutions in our district. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive community where every family has the chance to thrive.”
Pictured from L to R: GSH Board Chair Erica McCants, Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck, Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, GSH Executive Director Genee Hayes, Congressman Gerry Connolly, Delegate Rozia Henson
The organization was established in 1974 when several Good Shepherd Catholic Church parishioners identified a struggling homeless refugee family living along Richmond Highway. They came together, first providing emergency shelter at a local hotel, building them a home, and then providing support services over many years. As times changed, the volunteers realized that the need in the area had grown exponentially. In response, the organization hired a permanent, professional staff and acquired affordable housing units scattered throughout the Alexandria area of Fairfax County.
GSH is situated along the historic Richmond Highway corridor of Fairfax County and has successfully housed thousands of neighbors in need. Their numbers grow every year. On average, GSH clients earn between 30 and 50 percent of the area median income (AMI), which in Fairfax County is $155,000 for a household of four.
###
About Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services
Good Shepherd Housing (GSH) has been dedicated to reducing homelessness and housing instability in Fairfax County, VA, for 50 years. Through innovative programs and services, GSH helps families and individuals find and maintain safe, affordable housing, fostering self-sufficiency and community resilience.
For more information about Good Shepherd Housing and its programs, please visit www.goodhousing.org or contact us at (703) 768-9404.