Advocate
Advocacy is woven throughout our mission and history as an important component in achieving long-term, systemic changes.
Reston Interfaith’s dedicated board and staff advocate with and on behalf of those we serve to develop consensus for social change that benefits the entire community – from housing that is affordable and close to work or schools, to jobs that help people build wealth, to training that prepares them for future jobs, and investments in children to help them chart a different course for their future.
Even with the comprehensive services like those provided by Reston Interfaith and its partners, the growing housing and economic security gap in our region threatens the vitality of all who live and work in our community.
You can make a difference. Join the Community Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness or check out other community, regional, state and national campaigns that work to bring hope to our neighbors.
April 2013 Advocacy Update
Consequences of the federal sequester continue to hit Northern Virginia. Our area’s economy depends heavily on jobs and contracts from the federal government. However, Fairfax County’s most vulnerable residents will also bear the effects of these cuts in loss of opportunities for housing vouchers. As of April 1st, Fairfax County has frozen the distribution of new housing vouchers in preparation for possible $2.5 million in federal cuts to the housing choice voucher program. This means that in 2013, up to 150 families in our area will not receive housing assistance vouchers.
Reston Interfaith will continue to work with partners and government officials to identify funding and opportunities for our clients in need of housing. As the state budget is now being finalized, we want to thank all those involved in the input process – both our supporters and our legislators. We look forward to working with the Governor, General Assembly and Task Force to ensure reforms are initiated and that Medicaid is made available to newly eligible recipients as soon as possible.
March 2013 Advocacy Update
March Madness
Reston Interfaith CEO, Kerrie Wilson, calls a technical on the impact of sequestration on homeless and low-income working families in her opinion piece published in the Connection newspapers last week. Read the article.
Speak Out: Fairfax County Budget
With the uncertainty of future federal spending and the devastating impact we are seeing already for homeless and vulnerable neighbors, maybe it is time for Fairfax County to consider a dedicated source of revenue for housing to meet the growing and urgent needs faced by so many in our community? Consider the Human Service Council’s recommendations and speak out by attending one of the Town Hall meetings listed below. Learn more about the Fairfax County advertised budget for Fiscal Year 2014 .
Affordable Housing and Human Service Campaigns and Coalitions
National Alliance to End Homelessness
Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness
“Think Twice Before You Slice”
Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy
Voices for Virginia’s Children
The Commonwealth Institute of Virginia
Social Action Linking Together
Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance
V.O.I.C.E.
Communities of Faith United for Housing
Fairfax County Alliance for Human Services
Capital Area Foreclosure Network
Below are examples of Reston Interfaith’s recent advocacy work:
- Reston Interfaith and its CEO have played a lead role, as a member of the Executive Committee on the implementation of the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness in Fairfax.
- Reston Interfaith staff work on community wide initiatives to address issues surround aging population in our community and increase accessibility for the disabled.
- We are a founding member of Nonprofit NoVA, an affiliate of the Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington, to enhance the voice and value of the nonprofit sector.
- Reston Interfaith’s CEO serves on the Board of Directors of the Nonprofit Roundtable, the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, the Meyer Foundation, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, and the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Follow us on Twitter to learn about our advocacy work:
Fairfax County Supervisors Hear FY2013 Budget Requests
The needs in our community have doubled since the start of the recession, and despite some improvements in the economy too many families are still struggling. Please contact the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors this week to ask them to fully fund the housing blueprint that supports their plan to Prevent and End Homelessness.
Testimonial
Reston Interfaith has been a lifeline for my partner and me. After my partner became disabled and unable to work, I had a lot of trouble finding a stable source of income. The monthly food that we receive from Reston Interfaith is literally what keeps us from going hungry by the end of the month. Asking for help was a big step for us, and the staff at Reston Interfaith have made things easier by always treating us with respect and dignity. – James
