When life becomes challenging and people need some support to regain self-sufficiency, our Assistance Services and Pantry Program (ASAPP) works in partnership with Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) to provide a bridge to help people feed themselves and their families or pay overdue rent or utilities bills so that they may remain safe and comfortable in their own homes.
Read Mary’s story, a full-time employee at a local supermarket who was not able to afford her own place on the salary she earned. She found hope when she first connected with Cornerstones after finding herself, and her young daughter, homeless and in the Embry Rucker Community Shelter.
Teaching Self-Sufficiency
Clients must go through an initial phone interview by CSP at 703-222-0880. If they qualify, and they live in Reston or Herndon, they are referred to Cornerstones and ASAPP. After presenting a photo ID and proof of address within last 30 days they are able to receive help.
When a person receives any financial assistance they are required to attend a financial literacy class run in a partnership between Herndon-Reston FISH and Cornerstones. If a client fails to participate in the Financial Literacy class, the agency will suspend any additional support.
Trust Account Program
To provide clear, supportive, and in-depth financial guidance to its clients, Cornerstones has partnered with T.M. Wealth Management Group and its Managing Partner, Thomas Seneca, to develop a comprehensive financial literacy program. This program takes the form of monthly classes and one-on-one mentoring with financial advisor volunteers who help the clients organize their financial paperwork, pay off debt, increase savings, and improve their credit scores. Learn more >>
Dominion EnergyShare Program
Cornerstones partners with Dominion Virginia Power to provide utilities assistance for low income households in the Herndon-Reston area through the company’s EnergyShare program.
EnergyShare is Dominion’s fuel assistance program of last resort for anyone who faces financial hardships from unemployment or family crisis. The program provides assistance, through payments directly to vendors, for both the heating and cooling seasons. For heating, the program helps pay for any type of home heating – wood, oil, natural or propane gas, kerosene, or electricity. For cooling, the program only pays for Dominion Power bills and not gas.
Households in need of utility assistance must first call CSP at 703-222-0880 for an initial phone interview. Eligible clients will then be referred to Cornerstones if funds are available. We are serving clients in the Herndon and Reston zip codes.
If approved, the program will pay for one payment (amount needed to keep or restore service) per season. Also, the program will NOT pay accounts being finalized (i.e., the client is closing the account and leaving the area, and services are not being transferred).
Eligibility:
- Applicant must have a disconnection notice or be in danger of losing their primary heating/cooling source.
- Applicants age 60 or older DO NOT have to have a disconnection notice to seek assistance.
- Applicants must have exhausted all other state and federal resources.
- Applicants must be income-eligible (80% or below median family income for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan statistical area).
- The head of household must be unemployed or experiencing a personal/family crisis.
- Applicant must have a referral from CPS 703-222-0880.
Documentation required: proof of income, the heating/cooling bill/disconnect notice, and a photo ID.
Click here to learn more about our Food, Financial or Urgent Assistance.
Questions about our Financial Assistance services? Contact Minnie Orozco, Program Manager, Urgent Needs and Life Skills, 571-323-1410.
Do you need help and are not sure where to start? If you live or work in Fairfax County call 703-222-0880 for services, information or referrals. Get connected and get answers.
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