St. John Neumann and Interfaith Partners Welcome Homeless In From The Cold

Janet Bolton brings her sewing machine.

Bolton, a member of Congregation Beth Emeth in Herndon, joins with members of other Reston-area faith communities to welcome 35 individuals to spend the night at Church as part of the Hypothermia Prevention Response Program. 

Dozens of volunteers this week will be providing meals, fellowship and a warm place to sleep to the guests, who would otherwise be sleeping in the woods, in their cars or in other exposed locations.

“Our guests might have some mending they need done, so the machine comes in handy,” Bolton says.

The Hypothermia Prevention Response Program is run by FACETS,  a Fairfax County nonprofit that aids the homeless, from November through March, the peak time homeless are at risk for hypothermia. The program moves to different facilities around the county during that time.

Last year, guests of HPRP were offered the option to participate in case management services. A nearly 40 percent participation rate resulted in 18 adults moving into permanent housing, FACETS says.

Four years ago, parish members Patty Holley and Pam Dister spearheaded St. John Neumann’s participation by finding mentors at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fairfax.  Inviting other faith traditions to help them for the weeklong project was very important to them.

 “Serving the homeless is not just a Christian activity,” says Dister.

Planning for the program starts in September in order to coordinate the three daily meals, sleeping arrangements, guest pick-up, activities and entertainment.   Eight volunteers stay overnight   Church members also donate gloves, coats, hats, and warm socks for distribution.  

On Sunday, the church’s youth group,  prepared and served chicken enchiladas, Spanish rice, refried beans, salad, corn bread and dessert. 

"I’m glad I can give back to my community,” says Katrina Roberts, group member and Chantilly High School sophomore.

For more information about FACET’s click here.