The new Bailey’s Shelter and Supportive Housing opened with a ribbon-cutting on Thursday, Oct. 24.
Located at 5914 Seminary Road in Falls Church, the facility is an innovative model of shelter, housing, medical care and supportive services in one building. This co-location of services and support will ensure residents and guests can make the most efficient use of county resources to improve their lives.
“The new Bailey’s Shelter and Supportive Housing is designed to serve our homeless neighbors with dignity by meeting multiple needs at one location. It will provide both emergency shelter for those seeking help during difficult times, as well as permanent housing combined with supportive services for our most vulnerable residents. This is the first of its kind in Fairfax County and we hope it serves as an example of how we can all work together to solve our most pressing challenges and make a real difference in our neighbors’ lives.”
- Dean Klein, Director of the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness
Support for Residents in Need
The new building will provide emergency shelter for 52 single individuals who are homeless, as well as 18 permanent supportive housing units combined with intensive services for the county’s most vulnerable residents.
There will be on-site medical services for supportive housing residents and shelter guests and four medical respite beds for individuals who are homeless when they are discharged from the hospital and need additional help to recover. In addition, there is an exam room that will be staffed by a nurse practitioner from the county’s Homeless Healthcare Program.
A large activity room can be used as the overflow sleeping location for the county’s Hypothermia Prevention Program during the winter.
Partnership with the Community
New Hope Housing, a nonprofit county partner, will operate the shelter and provide programs and services for residents and guests. On-site support services include helping residents complete online job applications, life skills workshops, nutrition classes and grocery shopping assistance.
“We’re excited and grateful to partner with Fairfax County on this amazing resource for the entire community,” said Pamela L. Michell, executive director of New Hope Housing. “This new space will provide greater opportunities to collaborate, to build deeper bonds with the community, and help realize the dreams of our homeless neighbors to have a safe place to call home.”
The new shelter replaces the previous shelter at 3525 Moncure Avenue in Falls Church. The total budget for the project was $15.6 million financed through a bond referendum passed by voters in 2016.
Facility Features
- Approximately 23,000 square feet.
- Fully ADA compliant.
- Energy-efficient equipment, lighting and appliances.
- Green roof to reduce stormwater runoff.
- 52 emergency shelter beds to serve single adults including four medical respite beds.
- 18 supportive housing units, including two ADA accessible units.
- Affordable housing units with kitchenette, refrigerator, microwave, private bathroom.
- Outdoor picnic and activity area.
- 24-hour staffing, including support in finding and maintaining housing.
- Flexible multipurpose space can be used for the Hypothermia Prevention Program and other activities.
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