Our goal is to achieve the best site possible for local unhoused people; Beacon Hill is the best site proposed.

The Kennedy Shelter Allies Mission is to encourage the County to build a new shelter as quickly as possible, in a site that serves people who are homeless well.

Penn Daw is the only site which meets the County’s criteria

The site is near the intersection of Beacon Hill Rd, and Richmond Highway—an area scheduled for intense development under the Fairfax County EMBARK plan. The Beacon Hill Shopping mall across the street is set to be developed as a BUS Rapid Transit station, and possible future Metro stop, along with dense integrated development of residential, commercial, and retail. The shelter would actually be a small part of the new complex as shown in the concept profile from the County.

The new shelter would host about 50 homeless individuals (38 men/ 12 women) in dorm rooms plus 20 individuals who are older or infirm in permanent supportive housing (small efficiencies). It is based on a model of offering daytime services such as counseling, job search help, meals, showers, laundry, and a community room. The county says the average stay is 77 days before a resident can find a more permanent place to live.

These additional housing units are desperately needed.

Putting the emergency shelter in the thick of things gives its guests access to jobs, services, and public transportation.

In winter, between county facilities and a faith community shelter, shelter space is offered to an additional 50 or so individuals.  Homeless families are sheltered temporarily in apartments rented for the purpose, not in the Kennedy Shelter.

FAQs About People Who Are Homeless: Who Are They?