Doorways for Women and Families have supported women and families in crisis in Arlington for 28 years. Since 1989, the existing 16-bed Emergency Shelter in Lyon Park has provided service for families, and some single women, who are experiencing homelessness. During 2005 the Emergency Shelter served 44 families staying an average of 30-90 days. 

 

The existing shelter is a single family home and is more than 60 years old. In the Fall of 2004, an architectural and safety evaluation by the firm of Rust, Orling and Neale indicated that rebuilding the shelter is the best alternative for providing a safe, home-like environment and supportive services to women and families.

 

Beginning in early Spring 2006, the existing structure will be demolished and replaced with a two-story (three level), 7200 square foot dormitory building designed by Wayne Neale of Rust, Orling and Neale Architects of Alexandria Virginia. The new shelter will increase the resident capacity from 16 to a maximum of 21 residents. The shelter will be staffed 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year with qualified case managers and trained volunteers. The new shelter is being built with the objective of receiving certification from the Arlington Green Home Choice Program – a program intended to encourage environmentally responsible construction and energy efficiency. 

 

Financial Needs

The cost of the project including the demolition of the existing building and rebuilding the shelter is $2.2 million. The Freddie Mac Foundation has provided a grant of $500,000 and Arlington County is providing $600,000 from the Community Development Block Grant Housing Development Fund. Serving as the general contractor, NV Homes will provide an estimated $450,000 (35% of currently estimated construction costs) in the form of in-kind labor and materials under the HomeAid of Northern Virginia project. These commitments place Doorways at 70% in its fundraising goal leaving $645,000 to secure as of January 1, 2006.

 

Critical Issues

Doorways will be seeking assistance from the interfaith community with the temporary relocation needs of the Family Emergency Shelter during the period of March 2006 through March 2007.  Just as when Doorways started in 1978, we hope with a combination of partnerships we can assure that the temporary housing needs for homeless families are met during this interim period to avoid a lapse of services.  We particularly will be in need of an increased supply of temporary housing (apartments and/or homes) for those families coming out of the 3-5 month Sullivan House transitional shelter (AACH) as they move into more independent supported living through our Supportive Transitional Housing program.  Look for a more specific request in the coming weeks.