Falls Church Nonprofit Homestretch's Leader To Retire

FALLS CHURCH, VA — Falls Church-based nonprofit Homestretch, which aids families who've experienced domestic violence or homelessness, is saying farewell to its longtime leader.

Executive Director Christopher Fay is retiring after 17 years leading the organization. Homestretch has appointed Barfonce Baldwin, who has over 15 years of experience leading similar nonprofits, as the new executive director.

"Our gratitude for Christopher Fay’s service to Homestretch cannot be overstated," said Homestretch board president Kerry Morgan. "He has helped transform the lives of thousands of Northern Virginia families and has led the organization with heart, passion, dedication, and true selfless service to our community and Homestretch clients, graduates, and staff. We wish him all the best in retirement and look forward to continued success with Barfonce Baldwin leading the charge."

Fay is credited with leading Homestretch to achieve long-term success for the families it serves. Homestretch's program puts families into housing and guides families to self-sufficiency while ensuring accountability in their finances. A majority of families served by Homestretch are headed by single mothers.

Homestretch's most recent impact report found 88 percent of families completing Homestretch’s program do not return to homelessness, and most use skills learned to advance their education, more skills and financial security. Homestretch's outcomes have received recognition from the Washington Post, the American Enterprise Institute, and the Institute for Children, Poverty and Homelessness.

Fay plans to continue writing and speaking about Homestretch in retirement and will pursue illustrating children's books.

Baldwin comes to Homestretch with experiencing leading nonprofits addressing homelessness and domestic violence. She was most recently regional executive director at Tahirah Justice Center.