Gerry Connolly, throughout his life, was a staunch supporter of Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services both as a private citizen and a public service official. He remained a friend of GSH as the organization grew over its fifty plus years. Gerry was always a champion for those in need, the marginalized, and an advocate for affordable housing. As a private citizen Gerry collaborated with the early developers of GSH Joe Adinaro, George Klett, and Jean Scully as they began to build the organization in and around the Mount Vernon Community.
While of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Gerry kept an eye on GSH and worked tirelessly identifying both emergency action funding and funding for properties both rental and purchased. In the early 1980s at a Gala at the Mount Vernon Country Club the GSH Board of Directors announced its effort to purchase forty properties in the next five years. Gerry, as a guest emphasized vocally to the attendees that “you should be purchasing 400 properties and if my staff gets in your way let me know”. We were incredibly pleased with his support.
Later, Gerry and Joe worked together on the Affordable Housing Committee of the Fairfax County Board of Directors-both worked hard to obtain both Federal, State and County funds for the purchase of additional properties. Gerry was instrumental in helping GSH to keep moving forward from the beginning remaining instrumental in the continued successes of the organization. As a Congressman Gerry always remembered and saluted the efforts of GSH. He never forgot us-we will never forget him-may he rest in peace.
Jim Sullivan
Former Board Member and Lifelong Good Shepherd Housing Supporter