[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 106 (Wednesday, July 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS OF SHELTER HOUSE, INC. AND THE RECIPIENTS OF 
                       THE 2014 VOLUNTEER AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 9, 2014

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the remarkable efforts 
of Shelter House, Inc., and to congratulate the recipients of the 2014 
Volunteer Awards. Shelter House is a community-based, non-profit 
organization that works to break the cycle of homelessness by offering 
support to those most in need in the Northern Virginia community. 
Shelter House provides crisis intervention, temporary, transitional, 
and permanent housing, training, counseling, and programs to support 
self-sufficiency. Of course, none of this would be possible without the 
hard work of dedicated volunteers.
  Shelter House was founded in 1981 by several faith groups, which came 
together to better serve low-income individuals and families. Shelter 
House operates three shelters: The Katherine K. Hanley and the Patrick 
Henry family shelters, which provide temporary housing for local 
families who become homeless, and Artemis House, Fairfax County's only 
emergency shelter for families and individuals fleeing domestic and 
sexual violence and human trafficking. By partnering with Falls Church 
Presbyterian Church, Shelter House added permanent housing to its 
portfolio at the Ives House. Construction of additional permanent 
housing began earlier this year.
  The programs operated by Shelter House have contributed greatly to 
breaking the cycle of homelessness. In FY 2013, Shelter House served 
1,858 people in 523 households and significantly reduced the average 
length of stay for families at each of its shelters. FY 2013 was an 
exciting year for Shelter House's Community Case Management program. 
With the support of a grant from the Fairfax County Consolidated 
Community Funding Pool, Shelter House hired a Community Case Manager 
and was therefore able to increase the number of people served. The 
Community Case Management program focuses on homelessness prevention by 
providing financial assistance and support.
  Volunteers and community partners are essential to this success, as 
they provide the tools necessary to combat homelessness. Their 
expertise, financial support, and efforts compose the foundation of 
Shelter House's commendable work. This year, Shelter House has 
recognized the following individuals and partners for their outstanding 
commitment to ending homelessness in our community, and I am very 
pleased to enter their names into the Congressional Record:
  Changing Lives Awards: McLean Bible Church Justice Ministry, Mars 
Incorporated, Gracing Spaces, Greg Ziegler.
  Creating New Beginnings Awards: Society of Nuclear Medicine and 
Molecular Imaging; BB&T Insurance Services, Inc.; Emmanuel Lutheran 
Church; St. John's Community Services.
  Community Champion Award: Supervisor John Cook.
  I congratulate the 2014 Volunteer Award recipients on being 
recognized for their extraordinary efforts and dedication to Shelter 
House. I also commend all Shelter House volunteers, as well as the 
private sector and government partners, who constantly strive to better 
our community through efforts to provide secure, structured 
environments, and indispensable support for families in need.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our sincere 
appreciation to Shelter House and its many volunteers and community 
partners. Their selfless work benefits the entire Northern Virginia 
community and improves the lives of many of our neighbors.

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