VHA is excited to introduce our July Member Spotlight, Pathway Homes.
Innovating to Propel People: Pathway Homes
Changes at the federal level are making it unclear about how funding for many housing, homelessness, and mental health programs will be affected. The fact remains is that the need still exists and partnerships with nonprofits like Virginia Housing Alliance are more important than ever.
Amid this changing landscape, Pathway Homes, a regional nonprofit providing mental health services—starting with safe, stable housing—to individuals marginalized by poverty and inequity, is moving forward with plans for a new headquarters, an innovative, mixed-use hub. This facility in Fairfax City will house Pathway’s offices while also providing homes to more than 10 people with behavioral health issues working to recover their lives. The HQ will also have a Community Hub that will include a food pantry, a supply storage area, and a training center.
In addition, the HQ will be home to a new mobile services program called Mobile Outreach Unit (MOU). Using a retrofitted trailer, MOU will bring services including showers and wellness and hygiene kits directly to people experiencing homelessness in Northern Virginia, starting in Fairfax and Prince William Counties. Currently only two of Northern Virginia’s 41 shelters offer shower drop-in services.
“By bringing Pathway’s services directly to those in need, we can build trust and restore dignity to those experiencing homelessness who otherwise may not seek services on their own. This will become another important and collaborative tool to help prevent and end homelessness in our community,” said Sylisa Lambert-Woodward, CEO, Pathway Homes.
Connecting those who are homeless with showers will enable Pathways to also connect these individuals with life-changing services and case management. Long-term, stable housing is the best option to provide stability for individuals, families, and ultimately the community. This is especially important in Northern Virginia where affordable housing is particularly difficult to find.
Lambert-Woodard added: “VHA gives a bigger voice to the issues our clients are facing, and we are proud to work together on solutions like our new mobile outreach effort that will produce significant outcomes for the communities and consumers we serve.”
A home is the best first step for people with mental health struggles as they transition back to healthy, productive lives. In support of safe, stable housing, Pathway owns, leases and manages over 500 properties in Northern Virginia. For more than 45 years, Pathway Homes has enabled tens of thousands of people in Northern Virginia with serious mental illnesses and other co-occurring disabilities to access affordable housing and critical supportive services to help them recover their lives.