Elected Officials Rappel Down 14-Story Building To Support Homelessness Nonprofit

ARLINGTON, VA — Throughout Friday, drivers along Richmond Highway in Arlington will see brave souls rappelling down the side of the 14-story Hilton Crystal City. While that may seem like an unusual occurrence in this busy area of Arlington, it's happening for a good cause.

Volunteers are rappelling down the 14-story building to raise money for New Hope Housing, an organization providing services to the homeless in Northern Virginia. The nonprofit, headquartered on Richmond Highway in Fairfax County, operates several housing programs and shelters, including Richmond Highway's Eleanor U. Kennedy Shelter.

The new Over the Edge fundraiser on Friday features 70 or more volunteers rappelling down the side of the Hilton Crystal City to raise funds and awareness for New Hope Housing's homeless programs. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At a preview event on Thursday, among the volunteers to rappel down the building were Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay and Arlington County Board member Matt de Ferranti. See video here.

McKay told Patch he participated to raise awareness about New Hope Housing's mission and raise awareness about homelessness in Northern Virginia.

"Even though we're in a wealthy, very sophisticated, accomplished community here ... there's still a lot of people who live in need, and all too often too many people who are homeless not only need housing but need support services," McKay said.

McKay noted the homeless population in Fairfax County has leveled out due to services such as shelters and transitional housing, as well as efforts to build more-affordable housing. Fairfax County has an Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, which coordinates services such as street outreach, the winter hypothermia program, shelters and supportive housing. New Hope Housing is the operator of the county's Eleanor U. Kennedy Shelter as well as the Bailey's Shelter and Supportive Housing.

"We have a very robust role. First and foremost [it] starts with funding," McKay said. "We put a lot of money into homelessness prevention in Fairfax County. Second and equally important for me is working and supporting nonprofits like New Hope and so many that provide the right services to homeless. We know we can stretch our dollars much further when we invest in our nonprofits, so partnering with them is a key way we're addressing homelessness in Fairfax County."

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Others who rappelled at Thursday's preview event included DC Divas women's football team captain Lois Cook, Hilton General Manager Charles Hill, TV producer Greg Garcia and Washington Post reporter Teo Armus.

New Hope Housing serves the homeless population from their time on the streets to their transition to housing, according to New Hope Housing interim Director William Gorman.

"When we reach out to people we find them, and then frequently we then bring them into emergency shelter to help them get stabilized," said Gorman in remarks. "And then we move them housing that's kind of a temporary housing, and then permanent housing, and then moving them on their own. We're a launch pad to getting their life in order and getting on track and living a beautiful life."

Gorman praised the collaboration between New Hope Housing staff and partners in Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria and Falls Church.

"Some of our clients are facing serious challenges, and when you get together and see so many different people coming together to serve them, it's really edifying," Gorman said.

As of Thursday evening, Gorman reported Over the Edge has raised $215,000 so far. Due to the success of the fundraiser and partnership with Hilton, New Hope Housing hopes to make Over the Edge an annual event.