Revised Mission Statement (adopted October 2005): The mission of Arlingtonians Meeting Emergency Needs is to help needy residents of Arlington County with financial or in-kind assistance. AMEN responds to requests on behalf of residents, made by social workers from the County government and partner agencies, with same day support for emergencies, including rent, utilities, prescription medication, dental and medical care, clothing for job interviews, job transportation and household furnishings. 

Current programs/client support: AMEN accepts referrals from 35 social service agencies, including the following AIC Helping Hands organizations: AACH, Arlington Free Clinic, A-SPAN, OAR, RPC Shelter, and Doorways. Each year, AMEN programs serve over 3000 individuals in Arlington County.

Our six programs that meet the emergency needs of low income Arlington County residents are:

1. Emergency Financial Assistance Program accepts referrals for rent (up to $500 twice a year), medical and dental services, prescriptions, utilities and transportation. Each weekday afternoon, a trained AMEN volunteer receives referral calls, following guidelines established by the AMEN Board. In April 2005, because of new grant funding received, AMEN raised the ceiling for daily requests to $1,100. Last year the program supported 1,648 client units, representing between 3,200 to 3,800 adults and children.
2. The Carter-Jenkinson Homelessness Prevention Program provides rent assistance up to $1,500 in one year, with case management handled by the Crisis Assistance Bureau at DHS, Arlington County. One hundred twenty-five families were served in 2004-2005.
3. Individuals and families leaving shelters and other group living situations in Arlington can receive furniture and household items from the Furniture Bank of Arlington. Donated items are collected in Arlington and parts of northern Virginia. Last year 290 families received furniture.
4. From December through May, AMEN administers Dominion Virginia Power’s EnergyShare program, which provides payments of up to $500 for utilities used for heating. During the 2004-2005 winter season 78 families received assistance.
5. Section 8 Security Deposit Program provides loans for security deposits of up to $500 to clients referred by Arlington County DHS. The County administers the payback program. Last year 58 clients obtained loans through this program.
6. After referrals from the Arlington County Employment Office, an AMEN volunteer manages Dress for Work Success, which provides new work clothing to clients for interviews. Thirty-seven individuals received help during 23004-2005.

Plans, financial needs, and critical issues that AMEN expects to face in 2006: In the last year AMEN has received continued support from longtime donors such as the Arlington Interfaith Council and has obtained grants from new donors. As a result, we have been able to expand operations of the Furniture Bank of Arlington and continue last spring’s increased allocation of $1,100 for the Emergency Financial Needs Program. Yet even with the increase, our funds are fully allocated every business day. Also, despite starting expanded hours, the Furniture Bank still has more and unfilled referrals, due to high community demand. Thus, our challenges now are: (1) to maintain funding to continue the current daily allotment; (2) to obtain more volunteers, funding for full-time staffing, and to find larger or additional space for the Furniture Bank to store more donations to meet the demand for assistance.