Marcus arrived at our Women and Family Shelter after his mother had lost her job at a local technology firm.  His mother, Shonda, made over $50,000 but made some bad financial decisions and lost her home when she could not make the mortgage payments. 

Shonda had a son that was in 7th grade and was falling behind in school.  Typically, homeless students fall 2-3 grade levels behind in school and Marcus was following suit.  The Good Shepherd Alliance worked closely with Marcus' teachers and established regular tutoring to get Marcus up to speed.  In addition, the Good Shepherd Alliance worked with the mother to give her the skills needed to help Marcus at home with his educational needs.

Marcus is now performing at grade level and is looking to make the honor roll again.

Allan came to the Good Shepherd Alliance from a local correctional facility.  Allan has a long history of alcohol and substance abuse.  Allan was an expert carpenter and was also looking for work.  He called the Good Shepherd Alliance because it is the only facility of its kind in the area.  Once entering the facility, our case Management Team began helping Allan obtain a job and continue treatment for his substance abuse issues.

Allan is working at a local carpet store and is attending a support group for his substance abuse issues.  Allan is looking for permanent housing and through our REAP (Resident Escrow Application Program) Program has been able to put some finances aside through our savings program.

The Hernandez women showed up at the door of the Good Shepherd Alliance Thrift Store.  They had heard about our services in a local newspaper.  With a mother (Loli) and two daughters (Jessica and Ellena), they were living on the street and staying in a local hotel. 

Loli and her daughters had escaped from a Central American county to America seeking political asylum.  Loli and her daughters had been threatened to jail and even death because of her political beliefs.  Our local street outreach team administered services, such as emergency food and clothing, to the family. 

After several days, the Hernandez women secured housing at our emergency shelter.  The Hernandez women have secured legal assistance through our Christian Legal Aid division and are working on finding a permanent home and financial means.

Edna is not a guest in any of our shelters, but she is one of thousands in Loudoun County who live one paycheck away from needing our emergency housing services.  Edna works two jobs, both at local convienience stores.  Edna has two children.

Edna does not have enough furniture for her home.  Her children are sleeping on the floor.  Edna called our offices and was not only able to secure beds for her children, but additional household items and even food.  Our poverty prevention program connected Edna to other partners of the Good Shepherd Alliance, like LINK, where she obtained a monthly staple of food.  She even received Christmas gifts this year for her family.