The Connection

It’s tough being poor – and it’s even worse if you’re cold and homeless. So one local church came forward and did something about it.

Centreville Presbyterian Church (CPC) held a special Advent Missions Offering in December, geared toward helping people stay in their homes. Knowing that nonprofit Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) has a rental-assistance program for its client families, CPC collected funds specifically for that purpose.

“Our goal was $20,000, with the hope that that could make an impact,” said Sharon Hoover, CPC’s director of Missions & Evangelism. “It was amazing how people just gave – their hearts were open.”

When it was all tallied, the amount raised was $36,725, astonishing even those involved in the fundraising effort. “Our CPC family stepped up in a huge way,” said Interim Student Ministry Director Hilary Kinitz. “We exceeded our $20,000 goal in the very first week.”

“As we watched each week, following that, it was like watching a miracle happen before our very eyes,” added Senior Co-Pastor Rob Bromhead during the Jan. 13 check presentation to Chantilly-based WFCM. “It’s so wonderful, even amidst the darkness, to have some bright spots like today.”

Agreeing, Senior Co-Pastor Aaron McMillan said, “It was, honestly, one of the best months of our church’s life. God did it, and we’re excited to be a part of it.” Indeed, every cent of the money raised will be used for rent-assistance for more than five dozen families in the local area.

“During this time of unprecedented need, CPC’s leaders and members made a special donation for rent assistance that will help keep 61 families housed this winter,” said WFCM Executive Director Harmonie Taddeo. “We’re extremely grateful for their support and ongoing partnership to meet the needs of our community.”

THE CHECK PRESENTATION from CPC to WFCM was held at the church; and at that same event, Dan Dolan from Supervisor Kathy Smith’s (D-Sully) office read a proclamation from Smith. The document acknowledged the church’s efforts and praised and honored its members for their generosity.

It stated, in part, “Whereas, 39 percent of WFCM client households have unemployed individuals struggling to pay their rent during the COVID-19 pandemic; and whereas, the collective impact of church members and leaders makes the Sully District a better place to live:

“Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Sully District, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all Fairfax County residents, does hereby commend Centreville Presbyterian Church for making Fairfax County a better place to live.”

Thankful for CPC’s fundraising campaign, Taddeo recognized everyone at the church for the “amazing missions-offering they contributed to WFCM.” She said the money is sorely needed because “We have clients who lost their jobs back in April 2020 and have still not recovered.”

“The generosity that you guys are showing is unbelievable,” added WFCM Vice-President Andrew Casteel. “And it’s that light that, I think, is going to really help us get through this time and on to better times. Thank you, Centreville Presbyterian Church, for all $36,725. Every, single one of those dollars will go directly to our neighbors in Fairfax County who are in need in this critical time.”

“After talking with Harmonie last fall about the impact of the COVID pandemic, the need for housing assistance became apparent,” explained Hoover. “Rent/mortgage costs far exceed food and utility costs. Families struggling to pay bills face difficult choices. WFCM serves to help them bridge these gaps, but housing assistance can use significant amounts of funds.

“I shared this need with our staff and Missions Ministry. We then decided to make WFCM’s housing assistance the focus of a Christmas Mission offering, and our church family gave abundantly.”

After all, said Hoover, “WFCM clients live in our community. We believe, through God’s grace, that we have a responsibility to care for the vulnerable among us. We wanted to give hope to our neighbors who face eviction and homelessness. WFCM is most connected with these needs, and we are delighted to continue partnering with them to serve others well.”

AS ONE OF THE 12 churches that founded WFCM in 1987, said Taddeo, “Centreville Presbyterian Church has been a great partner to WFCM for the past 34 years. It’s provided operational assistance and has also supported our food pantry and holiday food programs.”

Taddeo stressed that WFCM intends to remain open, every day – as it’s already been doing – providing food and funds for people in need, And, she said, “The way we do this is through our partners, such as Centreville Presbyterian Church.”