Mini-Walk Benefits Local Homeless Center

Despite cold temperatures and snowfall, the hosted their on Saturday, Oct. 29. It was part of a national effort to help the homeless through a partnership with Fannie Mae and Volunteers of America (VOA).

Loudoun Homeless Services Center Director Helen Richardson said that more than 70 people had pre-registered to walk in the event. Due to the weather, the walk was brought inside, she said, where tours and other activities were scheduled to take place.  

“This is our major fundraiser of the year. It’s pretty much the only real fundraiser that we do,” Richardson said. “We accept donations all the time but this is our organized fundraiser and we count on it a lot.”

Last year, Richardson said the event raised about $5,000. All proceeds from walker registrations and a raffle will support the VOA through the local homeless center.

Among those in attendance on Saturday was Mayor Kristen C. Umstattd who said it’s important to make sure that every family has a safe, secure place to live.

“In the last election, at the town level, I ran into more people when I was going door to door who were at serious risk of having their homes foreclosed upon because they had lost a job and they couldn’t afford the mortgage payments anymore," Umstattd said. "It became very clear that almost anybody can be in an unfortunate position and need housing until they can get back on their feet.”

According to Umstattd, there has been an increase in the amount of people who are living in tents off of the W&OD Trail, while trying to make do in tents. In addittion, there are over 600 children in Loudoun County without a place to live, she said, which is “unacceptable” when it comes to being the wealthiest county in the country.

“It’s a shame that in this county we’ve got this situation where so many are without shelter and really living hand to mouth," Umstattd said. “It’ sometimes hard for people who are doing well in life to remember that all it takes is a serious illness, a loss of a job, and they could find themselves in a situation like many who are housed here.”

State Senator Mark Herring shadowed Umstattd’s remarks and said it’s important to raise awareness about the existence of the shelter and the services that are provided.

"It’s important for the community to be able to extend a helping hand," Herring said. "to help those in need get back on their feet again."

Supervisor Kelly Burk agreed and said it's important that everyone realizes that there are people who are in need.

“Part of the government’s responsibility is to make sure that we’re taking care of people who can’t take care of themselves," Burk said. "I think this is a prime example of good government.”

The Loudoun Homeless Services Center is a 44-bed facility offering emergency shelter, cold weather shelter, a drop-in center and a Transitional Housing Program. It also provides food, hot showers, phones, laundry facilities, life skills classes, children's services and case management. To learn more visit their website or call 703-771-5566.