About Us

Shelter House, Inc. is a community-based 501(c)(3)

organization in Fairfax County serving homeless families.
Dear Friends,

2009 has begun as

a tumultuous year.
How You Can Help...
Volunteer
Make a Financial Contribution
Your financial contributions help support a wide array
The stock market is neighbors helping neighbors
Get involved in your community by offering your of DIRECT services, which we offer to the families of
constantly in flux, time! There are a multitude of ways to join the Shelter
Our Mission Shelter House, Inc. Contributions can be mailed to:

unemployment is on the
Shelter House, Inc. helps break the cycle of homelessness by rise and credit is almost
providing crisis intervention, temporary housing, training, non-existent. Everyday
counseling, and programs to promote self-sufficiency.
we hear grim stories
about how the American
Neighborhood
House, Inc. crew as a volunteer. To find out more please
Director of Development
contact the appropriate Community Coordinator: P.O. Box 4081
Falls Church, VA 22044
Victor Dooley Kristen Lenz
Patrick Henry Family Shelter Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter or donate online at
P.O. Box 4081 13000 Lee Highway
www.shelterhouse.org

Newsletter
Falls Church, VA 22044 Fairfax, VA 22030
Our Vision economy is suffering. 703.538.7105 571.522.6815
victor.dooley@shelterhouse.org kristen.lenz@shelterhouse.org Donate Items
Shelter House, Inc.’s vision is to be the premier organization Here at Shelter House, Shelter House accepts donations of non-perishable food,
in eliminating homelessness by empowering families to reach Sponsor an Event personal hygiene items and select household goods. Visit
their full potential.
we are telling a different
Join in the celebration by sponsoring a Shelter House, our website to review our in-kind donation policy and
In this issue...
story. Our community partnerships are continuing to
Inc. event. Options include: The Annual Casino Night and view a wishlist reflecting current needs at each shelter.
grow, our programs are expanding, our volunteers are
Our History more devoted than ever and most importantly, our
Silent Auction, The Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and
Annual Meeting, The Help the Homeless Walkathon and Make a Planned Gift
Casino Night 2009!
A Shelter House Family Turns
families are succeeding.
Shelter House was formed in 1981 when several ecumenical
other events. Sponsorships decrease costs and provide
funds for direct services. Plus, you or your company will
Planned giving, or donating as part of a will, bequest or
other charitable trust, is a great way to contribute and Thinking Ahead:
Helplessness into Hope
groups came together to better serve Fairfax County’s low In March of this year, 8 Shelter House families moved receive GREAT benefits. For more information contact: leave a lasting legacy to families in Fairfax County. For by: Virginia Araujo
income population. In 1985, Shelter House’s facility was into permanent housing. We were able to recruit an Shelter House, Inc.
more information please contact:
moved to its first permanent location in Falls Church. additional housing resource coordinator, focusing our
Jill Shumann
Director of Development Jill Shumann Events Throughout Ms. Zack and her three teenage children helped her to regain her confidence and
efforts on permanent housing for all of our families. 703.532.2167 Director of Development
703.532.2167
2009 were petitioned to come to the U.S. by strength.
In 2007, Shelter House was awarded Fairfax County’s contract jill.shumann@shelterhouse.org
Moreover, our intake and rapid exit coordinators are jill.shumann@shelterhouse.org her husband in January 2008. When
to operate the new Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter she arrived, her dream of a stable family Ms. Zack filed and followed up with
(KHFS). This shelter is the first in Fairfax County to operate
equipped to prevent homelessness before families enter
our shelters by providing resources to keep them in their A Community That life was shattered when she found that child and spousal support, applied for
using the “Housing First” model, which emphasizes shorter
shelter stays and continued support once families move into homes while they get back on their feet. Cares: Volunteers her husband was living with someone food stamps, obtained a part time job in
permanent housing. Shelter House assumed operations of else and would only provide her rent addition to her full time employment and
Helping Shelter
this new facility in July 2007 and families began moving into Everyday people are facing foreclosures, lay-offs and assistance for her own place. learned to file her taxes, increasing her
House Continue Its income and resources while paying off her
the shelter in August. By October 2007, the shelter reached cutbacks, but we are equipped to weather this storm. P.O. Box 4081 Mission!
its capacity of 20 families. Community partners are reaching out to provide supplies Falls Church, VA 22044 Within six months, the family had debts, establishing a budget and saving
and labor, allowing us to focus our funds on keeping relocated twice because her husband money. Ms. Zack saved over $8,000
To find out more about Shelter House, Inc. and Housing First, families together and in their homes. failed to assist them with rent. Ms. during her 3 month stay at the Katherine
please visit our website: Sponsor Spotlight: Zack attained part- K. Hanley Family
www.shelterhouse.org Companies time employment her ...her children nicknamed the Shelter. She also
Yes, Shelter House is stronger than ever, but we couldn’t
Showing That second day in the U.S. enrolled into the

Credits
do it without your help. Join us in our mission to prevent Katherine K. Hanley Family Virginia Individual
homelessness in the Fairfax-Falls Church community by Even a Recession which turned into a
visiting our website, www.shelterhouse.org and seeing Can’t Extinguish full-time maintenance Shelter “Papa Shelter” because D e v e l o p m e n t
the many ways in which you can help. Philanthropy position, but over they got all the support and Account Program
time fell into financial understanding that a parent (VIDA) to help her
Together, we can make it through these tough times and hardship after her save towards home
Contributing Editors Photography
see brighter horizons on the other side. husband stopped could give his children. ownership.
Virginia Araujo Victor Dooley And more! making housing payments.
Kristen Lenz (Page 1)
Sincerely, Ms. Zack also participated in ESOL classes
Jill Shumann Maggie Szymanek
Victor Dooley (Page 1) This led to the family’s need to move into and other activities. She learned to be
Joe Meyer Emily Rivera #8699 shelter for the first time. very resourceful and hopes to continue
(Pages 3 and 5) learning more about life in the US. Ms.
Review Team Jill Shumann Once Ms. Zack settled into her temporary Zack moved into her own basement
Jewell Mikula (Page 4) home at the Katherine K. Hanley Family apartment with all three of her children
Joe Meyer Pat Haffey-Baldwin Shelter, she confided that she was afraid and plans to continue to be involved with
Jill Shumann (Page 4) Jewell Mikula
Executive Director of her husband due to a history physical Shelter House community programs.
Toya Taylor
Shelter House, Inc.
#56516 and emotional abuse. Ms. Zack was
Christin Durham Layout & Photo Editing immediately referred to legal services and Continued bottom of page 2...
Victor Dooley
provided mental health services, which
© 2009 Shelter House, Inc. - All rights reserved.
5 6 1
 Blackboard “Cheers” a
Successful Fundraising Event By the Casino Night Delightful
Despite Drizzle
Save the
Old Dominion Cotillion is Recognized for Its Dedication to the
Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter

Numbers
by: Victor Dooley by: Victor Dooley by: Kristen Lenz

Date!
On Thursday March 18th, Shelter House’s Annual Casino Night and Silent Auction The Old Dominion Cotillion is providing the opportunity while helping Shelter House save critically-needed funds.
Blackboard Inc. held its annual drew over 170 people to the Grand Atrium in Vienna for positive learning experiences through a year-long In 2008 alone, the teenagers of ODC volunteered over 130
Cheers for Charity fundraiser for a damp, but rousing evening of games, laughs and program of social and educational activities designed hours at the shelter and at least another 150 offsite.
at their beautiful new offices celebration, all to help homeless families in our community. to assist the Debutantes in developing practical skills in
in Penn Quarter. This is the Shelter House has increased our capacity to serve! Over 60 generous community partners contributed items etiquette, poise, communication and social responsibility Members of the Old Dominion Cotillion have made a
third year that Shelter House, Check out these graphs that show how many more from velvety Crabtree and Evelyn bath products to a aimed at the attainment of personal impact on the homeless
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and Annual
Inc. has been the chosen families we have been able to serve in 2009! The timeshare in Costa Rica and through the generosity of our confidence, grace and gentility. families residing at the Katherine
beneficiary for this event. donors (including Capital One) and patrons, we were able Meeting K. Hanley Family Shelter by
FY 09 numbers are through March 2009 (the June 9, 2009 - 6:30 p.m.
Blackboard is world renowned to raise over $59,000. All funds from the evening will go For over a year, the young easing stress and boosting morale
fiscal year ends on June 30th).
for reshaping the way people directly to Shelter House services and providing stability women of ODC have partnered among our families as they make
Join us for our a special event at the Burke Volunteer Fire
learn by incorporating technology and education. The for families returning to permanent housing. with Shelter House, Inc. and the difficult transition from
150 and Rescue Community Hall. We will recognize special
funds raised during this event go directly into Shelter volunteers and discuss Shelter House’s successes and plans the Katherine K. Hanley Family homelessness to self-sufficiency.
House programs, providing life skills education for our 145 Shelter House has Special thanks to our for the year to come! RSVP by June 2nd to Victor Dooley Shelter by hosting Family Fun
families. This year, our friends at Blackboard raised over 140 138 increased the total signature sponsor (703.538.7105 or victor.dooley@shelterhouse.org). Days, monthly birthday parties, In addition to these phenomenal
$7,700! We thank this unique and dedicated community 135 number of families and our 2008 holiday party, contributions, ODC was recently
partner. that we are able to Centreville Day Winter Wonderland. For each of awarded a Fairfax County
130
124 serve by 11%! September 26, 2009 - 10:00 a.m. these events, members planned Volunteer Service Award for
125 and implemented activities like Youth Volunteer Group. This
Come visit Shelter House’s info booth at this fun community crafts, face painting, games, amazing county-wide recognition
Discovery Toys Enriches 120
115
FY 08 FY 09
festival. Bring the kids! Shelter House also needs volunteers balloon tosses, and much more. is not only a proud achievement
to help staff the booth and inform the community about how They also provided treats such for Shelter House, but is also
Shelter House Children we help to prevent homelessness. Contact Sarah Schultz as cake and ice cream sundaes, gifts, prizes, and goodie another indication of Old Dominion Cotillion’s impact on
100%
(703.536.5383 or sarah.schultz@shelterhouse.org). bags. Furthermore, Old Dominion Cotillion has filled our community.
by: Jill Shumann
dozens of shifts staffing our Children’s Resource Room,
Shelter House is grateful to Cindy Connors of Discovery The percentage of
85%
Clifton Day serving dinner to our 65 residents, and coordinating Kids Shelter House, Inc. is so very grateful to have a relationship
Toys for being such a great partner. In November, Cindy 61% October 11, 2009 - 10:00 a.m.
Shelter House families 70%
Night activities. Last but not least, ODC’s contributions of with Old Dominion Cotillion and we look forward to
hosted an open house where Shelter House earned free toys who go directly into 55%
43% prepared food have been wonderful treats for our families working with future classes of the cotillion!
for our shelters. We had no idea at the time that Cindy’s Clifton Day is a non profit festival generating publicity
permanent housing is 40%
and funding for a variety of local organizations. Come
generosity was just beginning. She has since recommended
up 18%! to downtown Clifton to visit Shelter House’s booth and
Shelter House as the beneficiary of “toyraisers” held by
her friends, business clients, and other Discovery Toys
25%

10%
even volunteer to help inform and spread Shelter House’s I.R.I.S. Brings the Excitement of Home Improvement Shows
message! Contact Sarah Schultz.
consultants. In all, Shelter House has earned over $800
in free NEW toys. These toys are placed in the community
0%
FY 08 FY 09 to Shelter House’s Patrick Henry Family Shelter
Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walk-a-Thon by: Victor Dooley
rooms of both shelters for use by all Shelter House kids.
November 21, 2009 - 7:30 a.m.
Because they are both fun and educational, we also use the 70 Shelter House has been on their feet. At Shelter House’s Patrick Henry Family
toys as part of our tutoring programs. As if this weren’t The number of The Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon is not only cultivating a very special Shelter, I.R.I.S. has been working miracles.
60 54
enough, Cindy’s son recently completed three months families in permanent an awesome and powerful fundraising event, it is a tradition relationship over the past few
of volunteer service at the Katherine K. Hanley Family 50
housing who benefit for the Washington Metro Region. As the date approaches, months. When we introduced Using donated and discarded furnishings, along with the
Shelter. Thank you, Cindy, for your commitment to 40 from our community visit Shelter House’s website to find out how you can get our Adopt-an-Apartment furniture available in our apartments, I.R.I.S. has done a
homeless family in our community! involved. Besides the big event on the National Mall, there program, which invites facelift on the shelter’s living spaces. Their creativity and
30 case management are mini-walks throughout the community in which you can
If you are interested in hosting a Discovery Toys party 20 community partners to resourcefulness not only creates inviting spaces for our
and earning free toys for Shelter House, contact Cindy at 20 program has more participate. Help us continue this rich and philanthropic
redesign our apartments, families, but promotes Shelter House’s green initiatives by
cindytoys@aol.com. than doubled! tradition. Contact Sarah Schultz.
10 providing more comforting reusing furnishings otherwise destined for a landfill.
0 spaces for our families, a
FY 08 FY 09 Whole Foods “Nickels for Nonprofits”
...continued from cover very special group took I.R.I.S. also partnered with 1-800-PackRat, Jerry’s Paints,
Ongoing - Whole Foods Tyson’s
notice. Sherwin-Williams, Fisher’s Hardware, American Foam
Ms. Zack expressed great appreciation to KHFS staff and stated that her children and she were very pleased with the Center and Coverage, Inc. Insurance Specialists to provide
Keep an eye out for the upcoming and on-going “Nickels for
services provided. Ms. Zack stated that her children had nicknamed Katherine Hanley Family Shelter “Papa Shelter” Nonprofits” program at Whole Foods Tyson’s. When you The Interior Redesign Industry Specialists (I.R.I.S.) supplies, storage and sweat-equity to make the vision of a
because they got all the support and understanding that a parent could give his children. use your own bag for groceries, the nickel you save can now take their cue from television programs like “Extreme Shelter House redesign a huge success.
be given directly to Shelter House. Save the planet and help Makeover” and “Deserving Design,” where professional
Shelter House, Inc. congratulates Ms. Zack on her successes and will continue to be a supportive resource in her path homeless families in your community in the process! designers remake the living spaces of deserving families To find out more about Interior Redesign Industry
towards self-sufficiency. to create an inviting and warm home while they get back Specialists, please visit www.weredesign.com.
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