The Washington Forrest Foundation has donated $20,000 to our Residential Program Center (RPC) and $5,000 to our Supportive Services for Veterans Families Program (SSVFP) in Arlington, VA.

This support is crucial because RPC addresses a dual need in Arlington—homelessness and substance abuse addictions. Unfortunately, the two issues are often intertwined. Our RPC program provides non-medical detoxification, substance abuse recovery, and homeless services for single adults—all under one roof.

The new funding will support staffing and staff training for our new initiative, the Diversion Homeless Services Program, which helps singles and families achieve housing stability by connecting them with housing arrangements and financial assistance. Launched just one year ago, the diversion program is the referral point for all Arlington County emergency shelters.

A portion of the $20,000 will also allow RPC to continue voluntary acupuncture treatments for substance abusers undergoing detoxification. The treatment—a part of our Acudetox program—has been credited with easing anxiety and reducing urges to use. More than 250 people receive the acupuncture treatments every year.

Washington Forrest is helping us empower Arlington veterans, as well. The $5,000 grant will help expand our services to low-income veterans and their families through SSVFP. The supportive outreach program transitions homeless service members into permanent housing.

We are so grateful to Washington Forrest for valuing our work and equipping us with the resources to better serve Northern Virginia’s vulnerable populations.

The Washington Forrest foundation provides funding to organizations that serve economically disadvantaged adults and youth. It was established in 1968 by Benjamin Smith, an Arlington realtor and developer, whose deep faith compelled him to serve his community.

Over the past five years, the foundation has donated $100,000 to Volunteers of America Chesapeake programs.