May 10, 2023

Neighbors,

You may have seen the recent media coverage of our region's Point-in-Time Count, which provides data that helps us to understand the breadth of homelessness in our communities. Although certainly not an exact count, it does give us some perspective on the number of residents who are unhoused, as well as who they are – singles, families, older adults, etc. Conducted by our nonprofit partners, this year the count showed a 10% increase from last year's count in the overall number of people experiencing homelessness in Fairfax County. That's a total of (at least) 1,310 people and sadly many of those are families with children, a trend that is being felt across the region.

The number of people in families with children experiencing homelessness increased by 33% (188 people) between 2022 and 2023. This increase is being attributed to the impacts of the pandemic, including employment, health issues and lack of affordable housing.

Additional key findings from the 2023 Point-in-Time Count include:

•  The number of single adults experiencing homelessness decreased by 11% (71 people).
• Results showed that there were 257 adults identified as experiencing chronic homelessness (30% of total adults counted).
•  87 households identified themselves as currently fleeing domestic violence and 229 households reported a history of domestic violence (30% of total households counted).
• The most significant disparity remains the disproportionate representation of people identifying as Black or African American. While 10.8% of the general population in Fairfax County identifies as Black or African American, 48% of people experiencing homelessness on the night of the count identified as Black or African American. The imbalance slightly improved from the 2022 count, when 50% of people identified as Black or African American.

Learn more.

As you may know, my office is across the street from the Embry Rucker Shelter (pictured above) that is run by Cornerstones. There is a constant dialogue between my office and their staff on how best to assist these neighbors in need (that's how the Winter Coat Closet came about with my predecessor Supervisor Hudgins). Some of the challenges they face include Embry Rucker and other family shelters operating at or beyond capacity (and at one point were at 250% capacity). According to Cornerstones, they are spending approximately $14,000 a week in county and other government funding to provide hotel rooms for families due to lack of shelter capacity. The main culprit is the current lack of affordable housing – Embry Rucker guests and households contacting Cornerstones or the county are reporting up to double-digit increases in rent, in addition to the expiration of pandemic-era rental assistance.

Since I began my term in January 2020, staff in my office and I have had the chance to meet many of the shelter residents. They are more than just statistics, everyone has a name, many have college and graduate degrees, families and friends, but for various reasons they find themselves unhoused. It could just as easily be you or me. The volunteer nonprofit/advocacy group RestonStrong provides support to many of our unhoused neighbors in Reston and shared these stories of the people they have met who are homeless:

•  A vibrant young woman from the LGBTQ community who works full time at a local retail establishment. She bikes or walks to work and tries to eat healthy as much as possible. 
• A veteran with two dogs who are certified as emotional support animals was waiting on housing and was sleeping in his car until recently. RestonStrong and community volunteers helped move him into a pet friendly hotel.
• A young adult who is representative of the many people with disabilities, either intellectual or physical, that are waiting on housing. He also has a full-time job in a restaurant. 

This is a lot to take in and it can feel overwhelming. To make a difference in the lives of people like the three described above, the Board of Supervisors has made increasing affordable housing a priority and several projects are in the works – including homes for the unhoused. The county's Office to Prevent and End Homelessness is also working tirelessly to help people on the brink of homelessness stay housed, and to find supportive housing for those in need. It's a complex (and sometimes frustrating) challenge and we must keep seeking solutions. What can you do? Become educated on the issue in the county, and volunteer or donate funds to your favorite nonprofit. If you have any questions or are facing homelessness yourself, please contact my office at huntermill@fairfaxcounty.gov

Regards,

Walter

Bill Bouie is a Community Champion

It was my honor last week to have Bill Bouie recognized as the Hunter Mill District Community Champion by Volunteer Fairfax. Bill has been a tireless volunteer for our community, involved in leadership roles in the Park Authority, Reston Community Center and Reston Youth Baseball, to name just a few. Learn more.

Cedar Ridge Apartments Community Day

Thank you Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, Cornerstones and other participating county agencies and community partners for Saturday's successful Cedar Ridge Apartments Community Day. And thank you very much to the neighbors who came by to say hi our Hunter Mill District table.

Fox Mill Elementary School Japanese Festival

State Senator George Barker joined me last Friday, May 12 for Fox Mill Elementary School's annual Japanese Matsuri Festival. The festival is a community event to celebrate the school’s Japanese language and culture immersion program. This photo shows my joy after producing my first-ever Japanese character, which I am told means “spring.” Not shown is the FCPS teacher that successfully guided me in spite of my lifelong challenge of writing legibly in English.

WAMU Politics Hour Interview

Last Friday I was interviewed by Kojo Nnamdi and Tom Sherwood on WAMU's Politics Hour. Our discussion included the recently approved budget, the Reston Comprehensive Plan, the Silver Line and other topics. You can listen here.

The Board of Supervisors held several committee meetings yesterday, May 16. You can watch the meetings here. Click on the meeting link below for agendas and presentation materials.

• Land Use Policy Committee
• Transportation Committee
• Housing Committee
• Safety and Security Committee

Metro Summer Closures Include Silver and Orange Lines

Metro has announced that during Summer 2023, there will be rail closures that will impact the western portion of the Orange and Silver Lines. This work will consist of fiber installation and critical replacement of rail from the 1980s. From June 3 to 25, stations will be closed from Vienna to East Falls Church and stations from Vienna to West Falls Church will continue to be closed from June 26 to July 16. Additionally, from June 3 to 25, the Silver Line will operate in two segments: Ashburn to McLean and Ballston-MU to Downtown Largo. Metro will have a newsletter to provide updates on the maintenance work, you can subscribe here: https://wmata.com/about/news/subscribe.cfm.

Here are additional links related to the project:

• Project Page
• Travel Alternatives
• FAQs

Community Meeting on Reston Comprehensive Plan June 6

Prior to the formal public hearing before the Planning Commission this summer, Hunter Mill District Planning Commissioner John Carter is hosting a community meeting for input on draft updates to the Reston Comprehensive Plan, June 6, 6:30 p.m., South Lakes High School Lecture Hall, 11400 South Lakes Dr., Reston. There will be a presentation followed by a discussion. Staff from the Department of Planning and Development will also be on hand to provide information. For more information or questions, contact Shruti Nallappa at Shruti.Nallappa@fairfaxcounty.gov. More information on the Reston Comprehensive Plan.

Public Works Day is Tomorrow, May 18

The Town's Public Works Day and Public Works Open House is tomorrow, Thursday, May 18, 2 to 6 p.m. at Northside Property Yard, 600 Mill St., NE. Bring the whole family, tour the facility, and get an up-close look at the heavy machinery and vehicles used for things like snow and trash removal. For more information, call 703-255-6380.

Volunteers Needed for Older Adults, Adults with Disabilities and Family Caregivers 

Fairfax County’s Department of Family Services has many opportunities to help support older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers. The following volunteers are needed: drivers (for medical appointments, errands, grocery shopping), social visitors, household organizers, and more. Bilingual volunteers are needed, too. Form new connections and help decrease social isolation. Learn more.



Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Matters--Resources, Trainings and Videos 

Volunteers and Donations Needed

How to Help Your Neighbors in Hunter Mill District

Reston Gardens of Note June 3

The Reston Chorale is hosting the annual Reston Gardens of Note on Saturday, June 3. You are invited to join your neighbors and other garden enthusiasts for a rare glimpse into five lovingly presented private residential gardens in Reston. The self-guided garden tour is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a garden party, 3 to 5 p.m. Tickets and information: restonchorale.org.  

Take a Hike June 3

The Park Authority wants you to take a hike on Saturday, June 3, which is National Trails Day. There is a long list of fun hikes including a history hikes, hikes with a naturalist, and a night hike to name just a few. Learn more.

Get Tax Credits for Combating Climate Change

Did you know that the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes tax credits and rebates for things like electric vehicles, solar panels, electric appliances, exterior doors and windows? You might be eligible for up to a $7,500 tax credit on a new electric vehicle, or $4,000 on a used one. Solar panels, geothermal systems, and battery storage are eligible for a 30% tax credit. Tax credits are also available for heat pumps, heat pump water heaters and weatherization. For more information, see this list of resources compiled by the Fairfax County chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby.