Community Resource

“Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time, we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 5:9

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” – Jeremiah 29:11

  • Start with connection to a case worker through Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning – 703-222-0880.
  • Fairfax County’s website for health and human services contains information programs and services to help individuals and families in need, including persons with disabilities. Health and Human Services – Fairfax County https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health-humanservices/
  • Organizations in our area providing food, clothing, and financial assistance:
  • FACETS – 703-352-5090 – Fairfax – provides daily hot meals and assistance with emergency housing needs.
  • The Lamb Center – Fairfax – 703-691-3178 offers daily hot meals, hot showers, laundry machines, free haircuts, transportation assistance, phone/computer access, legal services, resume assistance, medical/dental/vision appointments, AA meetings, and assistance in applying for Social Security Disability Benefits.
  • Food For Others – 703-207-9173 – Fairfax – has fresh produce, meats, and breads, in addition to non-perishable food items.
  • Fairfax F.I.S.H. (For Immediate Sympathetic Help) – Fairfax clothing closet – 703-620-0161.
  • CFH, Inc. (formerly Catholics for Housing) has a program to assist senior citizens in the Fairfax area with rent. This is a great program designed to help seniors with rent that is much needed during this difficult season. If you or anyone you know might benefit from this assistance, please feel free to contact Dianne Anderson, Program Manager CFH Inc., https://cfhva.org/, phone 703-221-4510, fax 703-221-3708.
  • Britepaths – www.britepaths.org – Their website has the option of choosing different languages to view the full website. Provides assistance with basic needs, including housing, utilities, and transportation.
  • Northern Virginia Family Services Multicultural Center – 571-748-2818.
  • Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services – Arlington – 703-841-3876. Provides assistance with resettlement: housing, household goods, case management services in culturally appropriate languages, cultural and community orientation, assistance with public transport and when available, receipt of donated used cars in order to get to an employment site, assistance with application for benefits through the Department of Social Services, assistance with registering for a social security card, assistance with registering children in school, referrals to health appointments, ESOL classes, and other services, such as mental health providers, as needed, and interpretation services as needed.
  • Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance Program – Fairfax residents call:
    703-548-4227; EA-CH@ccda.net – Provides help in preventing evictions and cutting off essential utilities. Also provides clothing and food at Christ House – 131 S. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. No walk-ins accepted. An interview appointment must be made by phone.
    Please note: St. Mary of Sorrows Church does not provide money to individuals seeking assistance, but rather, we support the programs described above and refer those seeking help to those programs. If you are in crisis and need immediate medical assistance, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room.

Resources for Emergency Shelter

  • Fairfax County Emergency Shelter information, including information about transportation to a shelter, can be found here or by calling 703-691-2131.
  • Katherine Hanley Family Shelter – Fairfax – 571-522-6800 – an adult family member seeking shelter for their family will need to call during business hours and ask to complete an intake assessment. They don’t accept walk-in’s.
  • Eleanor Kennedy Shelter – Alexandria – 703-799-0200 – the person seeking shelter will need to call during business hours and ask to complete an intake assessment. They don’t accept walk-in’s.
  • Artemis House – Herndon – 703-435-4940 – This shelter does accept emergency requests for shelter for those fleeing domestic violence. The person seeking shelter must call them directly (24/7) to discuss their needs. They accept service animals, but need to see documentation.
  • Embry Rucker Community Shelter – Reston – 703-437-1975 – the person seeking shelter will need to call during business hours and ask to complete an intake assessment. They don’t accept walk-in’s.
  • The Lamb Center – Fairfax – 703-691-3178 – This is a drop-in daytime center for those who are homeless. They provide meals, showers, laundry service, bible studies, job counseling, AA meetings, a nurse practitioner clinic, and a dental clinic.
  • FACETS is a non-profit organization in Fairfax that works with Fairfax County to provide a Hypothermia Prevention Shelter from December 1st to April 1st. Individuals seeking to participate can call 703-352-5090 during business hours for information and bed availability. Public transportation is available from The Lamb Center. St. Mary’s will be hosting a week of this overnight shelter for FACETS in January, though persons interested must still register through FACETS, and walk-in’s are not permitted.
  • Please note: St. Mary of Sorrows Church does not provide money or hotel rooms to individuals seeking assistance, but rather, we support the programs described above and refer those seeking help to those programs. If you are in crisis and need immediate medical assistance, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room.
  • For more info, contact: Christina B., St. Mary of Sorrows Parish Outreach Ministry Coordinator
    703-978-4141 x109 during business hours. Thank you, and God Bless.