[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF GOOD SHEPHERD HOUSING FOUNDATION

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 25th Anniversary 
of the Good Shepherd Housing Foundation. For the past quarter century, 
the Foundation has provided low-cost housing to the homeless and those 
on the brink of homelessness in Prince William County.
   Good Shepherd Housing Foundation was established in 1989 when the 
need for housing for the mentally ill became apparent. The first group 
home, ``Shepherd House I,'' opened in 1989 with a $1,500 donation from 
co-founders, Horace and Virginia Baker. As the parents of an adult 
child with mental health issues, the Bakers knew firsthand the 
challenges in finding safe housing options that would allow their son 
to live as independently as possible while receiving the care he 
needed. Mr. and Mrs. Baker, along with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 
worked closely 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.
   Since its inception, Good Shepherd Housing Foundation has grown 
substantially in both clientele and breadth of mission. Now in 25th 
year, the Foundation provides housing and supportive services for 77 
single adults and 45 families in 70 households throughout Prince 
William. Assistance is extended to those with chronic low income and 
mental or physical disabilities. 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. The Foundation also provides eight apartments, one townhouse, 
and one affordable rental house maintained by the Foundation offering 
the mentally ill, some of whom are veterans, relief from chronic 
homelessness. Beyond housing assistance, the Foundation offers services 
that put residents on a path to financial and psychological stability.
   Over the years, the Foundation has expanded its mission providing a 
broader scope of resources to the community to aid in providing housing 
to individuals and families who are homeless or in danger of becoming 
homeless. The Foundation offers a holistic program approach aimed not 
only at providing housing but also teaching program participants the 
importance of education and financial management. Programs and services 
include the Affordable Rentals Program, Shepherd Homes, Shepherd 
Leasing, and a two-year Transitional Housing Partnership. Tutoring and 
child-care services are also available for the children.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the work 
of Good Shepherd Housing Foundation in Prince William and in 
congratulating it on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. The 
Foundation exists thanks to the dedication and generosity of its board, 
staff, volunteers, and many community supporters, and it is another 
example of what makes Prince William such a wonderful place to live.

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