Public Works and Environmental Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our offices are open to the public by appointment only at this time. Please call or email 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-5033 TTY 711
12000 Government Center Parkway
Suite 448 Fairfax, VA 22035
Christopher S. Herrington
Director

Operation Stream Shield

Fairfax County Operation Stream Shield logo

Helping People and the Environment

Operation Stream Shield gives temporary work to people experiencing homelessness while keeping local streams clean.

Participants earn a small stipend, learn job skills, and gain work experience.

“Being able to say, ‘I’m going to work today’ really lifted my spirits,” said Samuel A.

Operation Stream Shield in Action

What Participants Do

  • Clean litter from streams and public land
  • Remove invasive plants and support county facilities
  • Take part in special projects to learn new skills
  • Crews wear high-visibility vests and follow safety rules.

Volunteers are welcome. Email DPWESSTW-OSS@fairfaxcounty.gov to join.

How It Works

County staff and partner agencies identify cleanup areas.

Shelter partners select participants and provide transportation and supervision. Select participants return the next day to remove collected bags.

The program teaches new skills and helps protect streams and meet County environmental goals.

OSS works with schools, county agencies, Clean Fairfax, civic groups, and volunteers.

Contact

Email DPWESSTW-OSS@fairfaxcounty.gov, or call 703-324-5500, TTY 711.

Learn more about litter prevention at Litter in Fairfax County.

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