Homelessness Task Force

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This consultation has concluded. Information about the task force's recommendations is available at https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/homelessness-task-force(External link) 

UPDATE: The Homelessness Task Force hosted a Community Feedback Roundtable from 6-8 p.m. May 16 at the Sherwood Community Center (3740 Blenheim Blvd.) for feedback on the draft of recommendations (click here to review and download). The task force presented their final recommendations to the City Council on June 25, 2024. Read the final report.


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Fairfax City has established a homelessness task force to address the impact of homelessness within the city, for both individuals experiencing homelessness and the greater community.

Led by Councilmember So Lim and Councilmember Kate Doyle Feingold, with Mayor Catherine Read, the task force is comprised of city residents and representatives from city businesses (including at least one representative from Fairfax Circle businesses). Lesley Abashian, director of the City of Fairfax Human Services Office(External link), serves as advisor and staff support for the task force.

On the task force are representatives from human service organizations connected to the Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness service continuum(External link), including the Lamb Center(External link), FACETS(External link), A Place to Stand(External link), and the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board(External link).

Key partners of the task force include the City of Fairfax Human Services Office, City of Fairfax Police Department(External link), City of Fairfax Fire Department (External link)(including a community paramedic), the Fairfax City Office of Economic Development(External link), the Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness(External link), City of Fairfax Regional Library(External link), and the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce(External link).

Task force members were chosen through an application/interview process to ensure membership reflects diverse stakeholder perspectives. The complete list of task force members is listed on the Homelessness Task Force webpage: fairfaxva.gov/homelesstaskforce.

UPDATE: The Homelessness Task Force hosted a Community Feedback Roundtable from 6-8 p.m. May 16 at the Sherwood Community Center (3740 Blenheim Blvd.) for feedback on the draft of recommendations (click here to review and download). The task force presented their final recommendations to the City Council on June 25, 2024. Read the final report.


*************

Fairfax City has established a homelessness task force to address the impact of homelessness within the city, for both individuals experiencing homelessness and the greater community.

Led by Councilmember So Lim and Councilmember Kate Doyle Feingold, with Mayor Catherine Read, the task force is comprised of city residents and representatives from city businesses (including at least one representative from Fairfax Circle businesses). Lesley Abashian, director of the City of Fairfax Human Services Office(External link), serves as advisor and staff support for the task force.

On the task force are representatives from human service organizations connected to the Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness service continuum(External link), including the Lamb Center(External link), FACETS(External link), A Place to Stand(External link), and the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board(External link).

Key partners of the task force include the City of Fairfax Human Services Office, City of Fairfax Police Department(External link), City of Fairfax Fire Department (External link)(including a community paramedic), the Fairfax City Office of Economic Development(External link), the Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness(External link), City of Fairfax Regional Library(External link), and the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce(External link).

Task force members were chosen through an application/interview process to ensure membership reflects diverse stakeholder perspectives. The complete list of task force members is listed on the Homelessness Task Force webpage: fairfaxva.gov/homelesstaskforce.

This consultation has concluded. Information about the task force's recommendations is available at https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/homelessness-task-force(External link) 

Ask questions about task force discussions and initiatives, or general questions about the topic.

  • Share What have you actually accomplished in the last 11 months? on Facebook Share What have you actually accomplished in the last 11 months? on Twitter Share What have you actually accomplished in the last 11 months? on Linkedin Email What have you actually accomplished in the last 11 months? link

    What have you actually accomplished in the last 11 months?

    ahk asked about 1 year ago

    The purpose of the task force is to study the issue and to present a report to the Mayor and City Council. That report will be presented this summer.

  • Share I've noticed a substantial increase in the number of unhoused people walking around Fairfax City. Is there some singular event or cause? What can citizens do to support the City's mission of providing housing for people? on Facebook Share I've noticed a substantial increase in the number of unhoused people walking around Fairfax City. Is there some singular event or cause? What can citizens do to support the City's mission of providing housing for people? on Twitter Share I've noticed a substantial increase in the number of unhoused people walking around Fairfax City. Is there some singular event or cause? What can citizens do to support the City's mission of providing housing for people? on Linkedin Email I've noticed a substantial increase in the number of unhoused people walking around Fairfax City. Is there some singular event or cause? What can citizens do to support the City's mission of providing housing for people? link

    I've noticed a substantial increase in the number of unhoused people walking around Fairfax City. Is there some singular event or cause? What can citizens do to support the City's mission of providing housing for people?

    fjeicivnehaic asked 8 months ago

    Lack of affordable housing is the main cause of homelessness in the region, including the city. Low incomes and expensive housing are the main reasons for homelessness in our community.

     On a global scale, poverty is one of the most significant root causes of homelessness. Stagnant wages, unemployment, and the high cost of high housing and healthcare all play into poverty. Being unable to afford essentials like housing, food, education, and more greatly increases a person's or family's risk.

     In February, the city conducted a PIT (Point in Time) count, a count of people experiencing homelessness that is conducted on a single day every year. We expect to have that information this spring.

    A good resource for information on the issue – including suggestions on how individuals can help - is the Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness: fairfaxcounty.gov/homeless(External link).