“The Way Home Fairfax” centers on fundamentals of homeless services  

Strategies customized to the individual and timed correctly are key to preventing and ending homelessness. This is one of several themes in “The Way Home Fairfax,” the Fairfax County Continuum of Care’s strategic plan for 2026-2031, created in partnership with the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (HCD OPEH).

During the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Housing Committee on October 6, 2026, members of the strategic planning team presented goals and objectives, recognizing that homelessness has increased in Fairfax County. Additionally, shifting federal policies and funding priorities are creating additional uncertainty.

“Through focusing on the fundamentals of homeless services, we can improve our community’s response with innovative and under-utilized approaches,” said HCD Deputy Director Tom Barnett. “Our day-to-day actions – from frontline outreach to data application – informs the individualized actions we need to take to get someone sheltered and back to stable housing.”

The four goals of The Way Home Fairfax are:  

1. Improve outcomes for people currently experiencing homelessness.
2. Strengthen prevention and early intervention services.
3. Reduce persistent unsheltered homelessness.
4. Increase community understanding and support for evidence-based strategies to prevent and end homelessness.

Each goal includes specific objectives to be undertaken by HCD OPEH, the Continuum of Care Board, and homeless services community partners.

“This strategic planning process included extensive outreach to the community – including people experiencing homelessness – to gauge what will work. The data confirmed what we knew intuitively – that centering on the person and their specific needs will generate the best outcomes,” said David Meyer, Chair, Fairfax County Continuum of Care Board. “From a broader perspective, the study underscores the fact that more affordable housing is what ultimately prevents and ends homelessness. We appreciate our partnership with the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in the progress they are making toward the goal of 10,000 net new affordable homes by 2034.”

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