Office to Prevent and End Homelessness

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our office is open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday
703-246-5000 TTY 711
3700 Pender Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Thomas Barnett
Deputy Director

Department Resources

North County Human Services Temporary Overnight Shelter

Update March 28, 2025

The North County Temporary Overnight Shelter ceases operation on April 1, 2025. The closure is consistent with the initial strategy for the service, which provided temporary overnight shelter for people experiencing homelessness who were living outdoors. For more information, please email opehgeneralmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Historic Content:

The North County Human Services Temporary Overnight Shelter welcomes individuals experiencing homelessness who resided on The Hill in Reston. The North County Human Services Temporary Overnight Shelter is supported by Fairfax County and Cornerstones. 

About the North County Human Services Temporary Overnight Shelter

North County Human Services Center
1850 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston

Phone: 703-326-6565*

Program contact: email Edwina Jackson

*If you have trouble reaching our on-site staff, please contact the Embry Rucker Community Shelter at 703-437-1975 for assistance.
Operated by: Cornerstones

Hours: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. 

The North County Human Services Center provides safe shelter and food.

Onsite, Cornerstones will provide wrap-around case management that includes:

  • Assistance with registering for Federal benefits
  • Obtaining IDs and passports
  • Securing safe, permanent affordable housing
  • Access to medical services
  • Learn about employment opportunities
  • Access to Cornerstones Assistance Services and Food Pantry program 

The North County Human Services Temporary Overnight Shelter supports community efforts to compassionately wind-down tented communities of people experiencing homelessness in Reston and connect these individuals to housing and other services. Neighbors living in tents struggle in an unsafe environment daily, with no access to fresh water or bathrooms, and they are inundated with constant exposure to the elements. Temporary  housing offered at the North County Human Services Temporary Overnight Shelter will provide a safe option for these individuals.

On the Horizon: A New, Longer-Term Shelter in Reston

Fairfax County plans to redevelop the Embry Rucker Community Shelter, which will offer modern shelter facilities as well as safe, longer-term solutions for people in Reston who are experiencing homelessness.

The Embry Rucker Shelter was originally built in partnership with the community in 1986.  The existing 10,500 square foot emergency shelter, which houses both families and single adults, is planned to be upgraded. While development details are ongoing, preliminary plans include:

  • A  new facility with greater capacity to shelter adults without children
  • Inclusion of medical beds
  • Day-use services for training and workforce development 
  • Permanent supportive housing units 

Permanent, Supportive Housing Options

The only thing that truly ends homelessness is affordable housing; for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, the key to ending homelessness is Permanent Supportive Housing. New Permanent Supportive Housing resources are on the way, in the form of 300 new vouchers over the next three years as well as new construction of permanent supportive housing projects.

Learn More

Additional Resources

Coordinated Services Planning

Connects people with emergency basic needs services, including shelter, food, clothing, health care, employment, and more.
703-222-0880, TTY 711 Monday - Friday, 8AM - 4:30PM

Eviction Prevention

Learn more about how tenants can get rent assistance, utility and other basic needs assistance and landlords can seek assistance in partnership with tenants.

Affordable Rental Housing

Fairfax County administers many affordable rental programs, including privately-owned rental options.
703-246-5000 TTY 711 Monday - Friday, 8AM - 4:30PM

Affordable Homeownership 

Homeownership assistance for low-to-moderate income homebuyers.

Affordable Housing Development

Learn about Fairfax County’s efforts to develop, rehabilitate and preserve affordable housing.

Human Services Resource Guide

The Human Services Resource Guide provides access to detailed information on nonprofit and government agencies available to Fairfax County Residents. Listings include service descriptions, eligibility, locations and contact information.

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