Success Stories of Families and Individuals

FACETS provides short-term and long-term services to homeless people who are temporarily living in motels, on the streets and in wooded areas in our community. FACETS has programs at two community centers in government-subsidized housing developments. Both programs assist families in reaching self-sufficiency.

Fred and Susan Hudson began coming to FACETS' Hypothermia Prevention Response Program in January, after a series of financial setbacks left them homeless and jobless.  Since then, FACETS has helped them find an apartment, find employment, and most recently FACETS connected them with Denis Bogan who generously donated his 2001 Subaru station wagon to the couple.  His generosity has truly changed their lives and has opened countless doors for them.  Thank you, Denis!

 

Tina, a homeless resident of Fairfax County who lived in a car with the father of her unborn baby, came to FACETS in crisis. She was afraid that she might give birth on the street and that Child Protective Services would find out that she was homeless and take her baby away. She was referred to Mary's House, a safe haven for homeless and pregnant women where she stayed until the birth of a healthy baby boy. With the help of FACETS, she and the baby's father interviewed at the Homestretch Transitional Housing program and were accepted into the program. They are currently awaiting an available space where they will be reunited as a family unit.

Amy, mother of a six-year-old boy, entered FACETS' motel program after leaving Fairfax County's abused women's shelter. A couple of weeks into the program, Amy gave birth to another son. Unfortunately, Amy's abuser entered the picture and learned where she was staying. He broke into her motel room and physically abused her. Amy and her social worker talked about the benefits of Amy returning to her hometown where she would have support from her friends and family. Amy decided it would be best to be closer to her support system. With the help of FACETS and Coordinated Services Planning, Amy and her two sons took the Greyhound bus back home.

Dory, a single mom with a seven-year-old son, was a successful business owner in Africa. War caused them to flee to the United States. She got a job making $8.50 an hour at a newspaper, and worked two years until she was laid off. She and her son became homeless, applied for Public Housing and completed an intake for placement on the Fairfax County Family Shelter Waiting List. FACETS is working with Dory on making a budget, finding a job and procuring housing.

Michelle, her husband, and their four daughters were forced into an Alexandria motel in the spring of 2004. A history of poor credit had prevented them from securing housing, and although Michele had been securely employed for six months, the family was having difficulty living on their limited income

Michele came to FACETS mainly because of her housing situation, but after speaking with a social worker, the focus moved from Michele's housing goals to budget planning. With help from FACETS, Michele learned the art of prioritizing her expenses. She obtained a copy of her credit report and was able to begin paying down some of the family's debt. Michele and FACETS also obtained Medicaid coverage for all four of her daughters.

Still, because of her husband Wayne's medical problems, a large portion of the family's income went toward medications and gas money to get Wayne to and from dialysis every week. FACETS was able to supplement the family's budget with food, toiletries, back-to-school supplies, an occasional gas voucher, and gifts for Christmas and Easter holidays.

In February 2005, Michele, Wayne, and the girls were able to move into a three-bedroom townhouse. With her new budgeting skills, Michele pays her rent via direct deposit and purchases two prepaid gas cards every payday, so that she always has enough money for gas. In addition, Michele knows she can count on FACETS not only for assistance with food and toiletry supplies, but also for continuing emotional support and encouragement. While Michele's family is still on the waiting list for Fairfax County Housing Choice Vouchers, they are in a stable housing situation, the girls are doing well in school, and the family is well on their way to self-sufficiency. Congratulations to Michele, another FACETS success story!

For more information about volunteering, please contact our volunteer office.

Copyright © 2006 FACETS
10565 Fairfax Blvd., Suite 10 Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Phone (703) 352-5090 Fax (703) 352-5088 Email facets@facetscares.org

Designate FACETS:
United Way #8905, CFC #8905, FCCCC #8905, CVC #3634

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Last Updated on July 24, 2006