[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 149 (Thursday, October 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 GOOD SHEPHERD HOUSING FOUNDATION OF PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA, 
                          CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 15, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 20th 
anniversary of the Good Shepherd Housing Foundation. For the past two 
decades, the Foundation has provided low-cost housing to the homeless 
and those on the brink of homelessness in Prince William County.
  The Foundation was created in 1989 out of the compassion and 
collective action of the Good Shepherd faith community. The founders 
identified a need within Prince William County for housing for the 
mentally ill. They worked with the Prince William County Community 
Services Board to establish the bedrock of a stable and lasting 
program. In its beginning, the Foundation provided housing for five 
single adults.
  It has since grown substantially in both numbers of clientele and 
breadth of mission. Now in its twentieth year, the Foundation provides 
housing and supportive services for 25 single adults and 18 families in 
11 homes owned by the Foundation. Assistance has been extended to those 
with chronic low income, mental and physical disabilities, AIDS/HIV, 
pregnant teens and the elderly. The organization is sustained by the 
efforts and donations of individuals, businesses and churches, and it 
receives assistance from local, State and Federal funding.
  The Shepherd Homes Program offers group living and single adult 
housing options to mentally ill individuals. Shepherd Homes I, II and 
III are properties owned by the Foundation that function as group 
homes. Ten apartments leased by the Foundation offer the mentally ill, 
some who are veterans, relief from chronic homelessness. Beyond housing 
assistance, the Foundation offers services that put residents on a path 
to financial and psychological stability.
  Since its inception, the Foundation expanded its mission to include 
low income families. The Affordable Family Housing Program is a 
holistic program aimed at providing housing and teaching families the 
importance of education and financial management. Families are given 
transitional, two-year or long-term, low-cost housing. Tutoring is 
available for the children and parents receive financial counseling. 
The Foundation works to end chronic homelessness by providing immediate 
relief and preventing future generations from falling into this 
dangerous condition.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in expressing 
appreciation for the work the Good Shepherd Housing Foundation does in 
the Prince William community. The Foundation exists today as a robust 
and effective community organization dedicated to helping the disabled 
and less fortunate. I offer my unconditional support for its mission 
and commend its ability to help our fellow man.

                          ____________________