Shelter House

Shelter House, Inc. is a community-based, non-profit organization devoted to providing crisis intervention, safe housing, and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and victims of domestic violence. Founded in 1981, Shelter House emerged as a grassroots response to the pressing homelessness crisis in Fairfax County, Virginia. It started its journey through the efforts of community volunteers from various ecumenical groups who dedicated themselves to meeting the immediate needs of their homeless neighbors by distributing essentials such as blankets, food, and warm clothing directly from their cars.

Since its inception, Shelter House has made substantial strides, notably spurred by the tragic hypothermia death of a homeless man on Christmas Day in 1983, which galvanized the community to action. Advocacy efforts led to the opening of one of the first charter shelters in Fairfax County in 1985, and since then, the organization has grown to operate multiple shelter facilities and various housing programs. Today, Shelter House serves thousands of individuals annually, with roughly half of those served being children. Notably, 66% of households in housing programs manage to move into permanent housing post-service completion, highlighting the organization’s effective approach towards eradicating homelessness and domestic violence while empowering individuals to regain independence.