Cornerstones Report Shows It Provided Services to 14,478 Individuals in FY2014

Cornerstones, formerly Reston Interfaith, recently announced the organization’s FY2014 impact results at its annual meeting. Cornerstones’ reached 14,478 individuals including 4,082 households and 5,779 children were served in northwestern Fairfax County, totaling 35,000 instances of service to improve community members’ health, connectedness, and self-sufficiency.

A detailed report of Cornerstones’ FY14 data is available online at www.cornerstonesva.org/about-us/.

At the meeting, Cornerstones’ Chairperson of the Board, Jill Norcross, emphasized the need for housing that is affordable, “The reduction in federal housing vouchers and the dearth of affordable housing in the area has been a hindrance to finding long-term accommodations for shelter clients or those at risk of losing their homes,” said Norcross.

Through the leadership of Cornerstones’ North Point Task Force, and generous support from Freddie Mac Foundation, VHDA, Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Bozzuto, Wells Fargo, donors and corporate supporters, Cornerstones has purchased the 48 units which comprise the Apartments at North Point, bringing its stock of affordable rental housing to 101 units.

“At a time when there is community concern about the inadequate supply of affordable housing, Cornerstones can now guarantee the permanent affordability of the Apartments at North Point 1, 2 and 3-BR units. The preservation of these homes is important as a significant addition to our inventory and to meet the housing needs ofReston residents,” said Kerrie Wilson, Cornerstones’ CEO.

Cornerstones continues to advocate for new, affordable housing in the community.Adoption of housing first and rapid rehousing models, focusing on prevention, and prioritizing housing for the most vulnerable homeless through the 100,000 Homes campaign have all helped Cornerstones and its partners make real progress in helping people find and remain stably housed.

Paula Sampson, Director of Fairfax County Housing and Community Development, who is retiring in January, noted the strong partnership between Cornerstones and the agency. She shared key housing successes in Fairfax County: a dedicated “Penny Fund” to preserve more than 2,700 affordable homes and a Housing Blueprint that identifies targeted affordable housing investments needed each year. She also noted the recent federal designation of Fairfax County as a “Move to Work” agency as providing the flexibility in design and resources to meet housing needs in a high cost-of-living area.

Sampson offered three lessons from her 15 year tenure: the importance of partnerships, of being innovative in our approach, and in ensuring that housing is seen as a “big tent” issue. She noted that when affordable housing is recognized as a shared issue—for the homeless, for those who have disabilities, for teachers and college kids who can’t afford to live here—there is far greater community support and political will.

Wilson affirmed the importance of those lessons in Cornerstones’ work in taking on the role of “backbone” partner and opening new doors at the Connections for Hope Partnership in Herndon to promote a stable, healthy and connected community. Cornerstones’ work with others to help people obtain health insurance for the first time under the Affordable Care Act; working with merchants and faith community to accept SNAP benefits or food stamps at the Reston Farm Market, and other creative programs.

Cornerstones unique success and community-building that has been at the forefront of its work for the past 44 years was credited to those in attendance at the meeting, including local elected officials, Reston’s founder Robert E. Simon; Cornerstones’ Sponsoring Religious Organizations; Visionary and Strategic Partners; chamber, business, civic, government and community partners; and members of Cornerstones’ Board of Directors and staff.

Since 1970, Cornerstones has reached out to 250,000 neighbors in need, helping them overcome tough economic times in an already high cost-of-living region. Through advocacy and support services, Cornerstones connects clients to the vital resources they need to help build more stable families and self-sufficient lives and provide a comprehensive array of programs that solve urgent or on-going requirements for housing, childcare, food or financial assistance. With deep roots in the community, the knowledgeable staff and strong partner network ensure a proven and effective response to changing resident needs.

Information about Cornerstones, including volunteering, advocating and donating, can be found at www.cornerstonesva.org or by calling 571.323.9555.

PHOTO: Congressman Gerry Connolly talks with constituents at Cornerstones Help the Homeless Walk.