FACETS currently provides support and case management services to six families and one individual who are participating in the "Home Connections" Transitional Supportive Housing Program. The seven supportive housing facilities are provided by partnerships with Centreville United Methodist Church, St. Mary of Sorrows, St. Matthew's United Methodist Church, and a generous benefactor.

In addition, FACETS has initiated the "Home Connections" Permanent Supportive Housing Program, which has placed a family of six into permanent housing through the generosity of Holy Trinity Lutheran, which is renting its parsonage to FACETS at a reduced rate.

In April 2008, FACETS will be moving 10 more individuals who are currently homeless into permanenthomes.

FACETS' "Home Connections" Supportive Housing Programs follw the "Housing First" methodology and offer solid solutions for homeless families and individuals. The following is a complete explanation of what the programs entail. If you can help, please contact Jim Brigl at (703) 352-5090 or via email at jbrigl@FacetsCares.org.

What is Supportive Housing (SH)? SH provides an exciting alternative for homeless families and individuals. FACETS’ Home Connections SH programs provide the opportunity for people who are homeless and living in extreme poverty to live in a home with social work supports, mentors and financial assistance. The Transitional SH Program is for up to two years, as families improve the skills needed to obtain a job and housing. The Permanent SH Program is provides housing and assistance for families and individuals permanently!

Who is considered for SH? FACETS considers families that are current or former clients as first choices. A team of FACETS’ staff, management, and designated persons from the partnering business or faith community carefully screens families accepted into FACETS’ Supportive Housing Programs.  FACETS may also receive referrals from other agencies.

How are partnerships formed? Business or faith partners sign an agreement with FACETS and the family to provide financial support and mentoring for the family. Business and faith partners have the opportunity to adopt the family for holidays and school assistance. Families commit through the agreement to meet regularly with mentors and FACETS’ social workers, allow home visits, set goals, show appropriate documentation of all expenses and make no major purchases without prior approval of a social worker, and specifically abide by all lease and agreement terms. FACETS screens families for inclusion in the program, negotiates apartment rental; provides training and supervision of mentors, intensive social work with families; makes timely reports to partners, carries appropriate insurance and evaluates the program with partners at least quarterly.

How do families benefit? Families/individuals agree to set goals, establish a budget and work with mentors and social workers weekly in order to achieve self-sufficiency. They benefit by having stable, decent and safe housing with a host of support services while they reduce debt, save money, build skills and locate housing on their own. Families and individuals become stable and strong.

How is SH funded? Faith / business partners, or individuals provide financial support to cover costs of the program. Participating families pay a program fee to participate in the transitional housing program. Adults in the home must either have a job or be in school learning skills to help them support themselves. Families/individuals pay a program fee of 31% of their income, and 9% of income must be put towards debt reduction and savings.

How can my company or faith community sponsor a family into supportive housing? You can help by providing a house, apartment or financial support designated for supportive housing, as well as mentors for individuals. Your assistance with household furnishings is optional.

Other important facts about FACETS’ Home Connections? FACETS currently operates seven transitional supportive housing apartments, one permanent house, and will be operating an additional five permanent apartments beginning in April 2008. Families thrive in their safe, stable homes. One family just “graduated” and moved into rental housing on their own. The mother has applied for first-time homeownership, which she hopes to receive in the next year.

FACETS invites individuals, businesses, faith communities and civic groups to consider sponsoring a family into SH. Your assistance with sponsoring a family is encouraged and welcomed and will truly make a difference?

There are nearly 2,000 homeless people in Fairfax County; one-third of them are children. FACETS offers hope! FACETS OPENS DOORS! We hope you will help!