Keary Kincannon
As the holiday season descends upon us, our hearts are naturally drawn to tales of compassion, kindness, and the spirit of giving. It is during this festive time that we reflect on the age-old story of Mary and Joseph, seeking refuge on that fateful night in Bethlehem, only to find no room in the inn. The echoes of that desperate search for shelter resonate eerily close to home in Fairfax County, where the pressing need for affordable housing has become an urgent call to action.
According to Fairfax County School Board Member Karen Corbett-Sanders, there are currently 1,000 homeless children enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools. These are young souls facing the harsh reality of not having a place to call home, a situation that is not unlike the plight of Mary and Joseph all those centuries ago. What will their Christmas be like in the shelters, motels, and homeless encampments where they lay their heads at night for sleep?
Michael is a young man navigating the harsh reality of finding himself homeless and on the streets of Fairfax County. He finds solace and sustenance at Rising Hope Mission Church where he comes for lunch every day and seeks assistance in securing a place to live. He is energetic and resourceful, working two jobs in the retail service industry. He is not unlike many in our community who work hard (often more than full time) yet cannot afford a place to rent. According to the County’s Rental Housing Summary, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,755 a month, requiring an hourly wage of $33.75. Michael is fortunate to make half that salary. His story is a testament to the struggles faced by many in our community who can find “no room in the inn” of Fairfax’s affordable housing supply.
While the County has made some recent progress with the opening of 700 new units of affordable housing at North Hill (Mount Vernon), Ovation at Arrowbrook (Dranesville), and Oakwood (Franconia), and the 500 units in the pipeline at Dominion Square West (Hunter Mill), the magnitude of the need is staggering. The Board of Supervisors has set a commendable goal of establishing 10,000 new units of affordable housing by 2034. However, the harsh reality is that as many as 31,000 units are needed immediately to address the current needs of our community members like Michael and the children in our public schools.
This holiday season, we must open our hearts to the urgent need for affordable housing throughout Fairfax County. It is our moral duty to urge the County Board of Supervisors and our legislators in Richmond to take decisive action on three crucial fronts:
Increase the Supply of Affordable Housing: The demand for affordable housing is overwhelming, and we must respond with an increased supply. It is essential to accelerate the development of new, affordable housing units to provide refuge for those in need.
Increase Funding for Affordable Housing: A dedicated commitment to funding is crucial for the success of any affordable housing initiative. By significantly increasing funding, especially through a robust housing trust fund, we can ensure that the financial resources are in place to support those in need. Fairfax County needs to increase its commitment to affordable housing to two cents on every real estate tax dollar. And the General Assembly in Richmond needs to add $150 million to the Virginia Housing Trust Fund as recommended by the Virginia Housing Alliance.
Preserve Existing Units of Affordable Housing: As we strive to build new housing units, we must also prioritize the preservation of existing affordable housing. This entails preventing the displacement of vulnerable communities and maintaining the affordability of current housing stock.
This holiday season, let us not only exchange gifts and gather with loved ones but also extend our compassion to those less fortunate. By advocating for increased affordable housing, we can embody the true spirit of Christmas and ensure that everyone in Fairfax County has a warm and secure place to call home. As we gather around our festive tables, may our hearts be moved to create a brighter future for all our neighbors in need.
Rev. Kincannon is the Founding Pastor and Pastor Emeritus of Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church on the Route One Corridor. He has served on the Fairfax County Governing Board to Prevent and End Homelessness and currently serves on the County’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council and the Steering Committee of Ventures in Community – an interfaith coalition in Mount Vernon. This article reflects his views and not necessarily the positions of the committees on which he serves.