May 2013 Enews – Cornerstones

Why is there a Christmas Tree on Display at the Embry Rucker Community Shelter?

Yes, we need a little Christmas.

You may be familiar with these song lyrics. They could be the title of a theme song for Embry Rucker Community Shelter (ERCS) during the summer, and help explain why you’ll find a Christmas tree in our entry foyer. During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, we experience an outpouring of generosity by our community. These donations typically last us through spring, but by summer we run out of or run low on the day-to-day items our clients need.

The summer months can be hazardous to the health and well-being of homeless individuals. Over-heating and dehydration are extreme dangers for those with heart disease, COPD, diabetes, and other chronic medical conditions. Our clients rely heavily on us for necessities like bottled water to stay hydrated, deodorant and shampoo, razors and shaving cream, clean socks and new underwear, insect repellant, sunscreen, rain gear, and other items that contribute to their health, safety and good hygiene. Target gift cards are needed to buy prescriptions or work-related clothing and shoes for clients in need.

If you would like bring a little Christmas spirit to the Shelter and help us get through the long, hot dry spell of summer, please contact Susan Alger at Susan.Alger@restoninterfaith.org or call 571-323-1383 for information about our most pressing needs. You can also get ideas from our ERCS Spring and Summer Wish List.

We’ll be listening for the sound of those sleigh bells!

New Leadership at the Helm

New officers assume responsibility of the Reston Interfaith Board of Directors, and they are already hard at work.

July 2013 brings new officers to the Reston Interfaith Board of Directors. Stuart “Stu” Rakoff, PhD, of Rakoff & Associates, LLC and the newly elected Chairman of the Board (July 2013 – June 2015 term) is optimistic about the upcoming year. “Building on the very strong board leadership in the past, our new officers assume responsibility at a time of significant challenge and opportunity. We are broadening our geographic and program base beyond Reston. We are reinvigorating our partnerships with our traditional supporters and reaching out to establish new connections in our vibrant community. We are moving boldly on new initiatives to expand our proven capability to help families achieve self-sufficiency. We are redefining our public face to become a stronger voice for our positive values as Metro changes the dimensions and needs of our community. And we are challenging ourselves to become an exceptional Board by applying increased discipline and energy to our Board work in support of our critical mission. In short, it will be a terrific year and we are already hard at work,” said Rakoff.

Michael Scheurer begins his second year as President of the Reston Interfaith Housing Corporation (RIHC), a subsidiary to Reston Interfaith responsible for acquisition and management of the organization’s housing assets for homeless and low-income families and individuals.

Stu served most recently as the Treasurer of the Reston Interfaith Board. Stu takes over for Ms. Angela Harpalani, CEO of Dimensional Concepts, LLC, and representing Heritage Fellowship Church, who served as Chairman of the Board from July 2011 through June 2013. Angela presided over the Board during a time of great planning for the organization and was a strong advocate for preventing and ending homelessness.

Reston Interfaith Officers (June 2013-July 2015) include:

Stuart Rakoff, PhD, Chair
(Rakoff & Associates, LLC)

Jill Norcross, Vice Chair
representing St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church 

Barbara Schipper, Secretary
representing Washington Plaza Baptist Church

David Ehrhardt, Treasurer
representing St. Thomas à Becket Catholic Church

Click here to see the full list of Board of Directors.

Calling All Landlords, Property Owners and Realtors

You can help us meet the challenge of ending homelessness in our community by partnering with Reston Interfaith to provide its clients with affordable housing. With this partnership, Reston Interfaith will:

Provide orientation on current housing subsidy programs during the lease-up process;
Serve as the intermediary between you and the client;
Assign a case manager and a housing locator to work with you and the client;
Provide the client with preventive maintenance and housekeeping tips;
Provide annual inspections of your property; and
Help you find reputable contractors in our area for larger repairs.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Nicole DeLima at nicole.delima@restoninterfaith.org or at 571-323-9580.

Anthem HealthKeepers Plus Diaper Drive

Your donation will help the many families who have to cut back on basics such as food, utilities or childcare in order to purchase diapers for their children.

Donations collected: July 6th; 10 am – 1 pm

Shoppers Food Warehouse, 2425 Centreville Rd., Herndon
Fox Mill Giant Store, 2551 John Milton Dr., Herndon
Safeway Hunters Woods Plaza, 2304 Hunters Woods Rd., Reston
Safeway South Lakes Plaza, 11120 South Lakes Dr., Reston

Local Elementary Student’s Artwork Selected for this Year’s Help the Homeless Program

The artwork of 8-year-old Kaylyn Siegfried was chosen for its creativity, originality and its representation of the importance of home.

Click here to learn more about Reston Interfaith’s Help the Homeless Walk.

Our Heartfelt Thanks

These extraordinary volunteers reach individuals and families in need in our community through their gifts of time, talent and donations.

Beloved Yoga for coordinating the 5^th Annual Love Your Body Day and donating the proceeds to Reston Interfaith.
Boy Scout David Corey and Troop 827 for performing his Eagle Scout Project to benefit Embry Rucker Community Shelter clients.
Chantilly Costco for providing outdoor furniture for a family moving into an Reston Interfaith townhome.
Cooley LLP for donating bottled water to the Embry Rucker Community Shelter.
Deloitte volunteers who painted, cleaned and updated the exterior of one or our townhomes.
Georgetown Cupcake for donating cupcakes to the Embry Rucker Community Shelter and the Laurel Learning Center.
Howard Ministries for performing a choral concert at the Embry Rucker Community Shelter.
Hunter Woods Elementary School Running Club for collecting wish list items and donating them to the Embry Rucker Community Shelter.
Yusuf Mehmetoglu, COO of Maid Bright, for a generous donation in support of Reston Interfaith programs.
Week of Hope Campers at the Emergency & Self-Sufficiency Services Program and Cedar Ridge Community Center.
United Way and Fannie Mae volunteers who cleaned, painted, landscaped and provided bagged meals at Embry Rucker Community Shelter.

To the groups and individuals who provide regular activities and programs for our adults and children at the shelter: