Pathway Homes received a $30,000 grant from Sentara, one of the nation’s top 20 largest not-for-profit integrated health systems, to help support ongoing maintenance for the over 500 properties that Pathway owns, leases and manages in Northern Virginia.
Pathways is a regional nonprofit providing mental health services — starting with safe, stable housing — to individuals marginalized by poverty and inequity to help these individuals reclaim their health and lives.
“We appreciate Sentara’s leadership and investment. Having a home is the best first step for people facing homelessness and mental health struggles who are transitioning back to healthy, productive lives,” said Dr. Sylisa Lambert-Woodard, CEO, Pathway Homes.
This grant will support Pathway Homes’ “Good Neighbor” fund which is used for home maintenance. In addition to the 360 units Pathway Homes leases using HUD and state rental subsidies, Pathways also owns 135 scattered-site condos, townhomes, and single-family homes. These residences provide safe and affordable homes in the community and promote individual recovery. Housing and services are a critical lifeline with 95 percent of those served remaining in stable housing and 92 percent staying out of psychiatric hospitals. Most importantly, these individuals reclaim their lives, reconnect with family, participate in community activities, and lead safe and productive lives. With grants from organizations like Sentara, Pathways’ maintenance team, and at times, corporate volunteers, provide ongoing upkeep to these houses.
Underscoring the importance of having a home, one of Pathway Homes’ residents who has struggled with schizophrenia explained: “When I wake up in the morning, I am excited about my life and have a sense of hope and optimism. Having housing makes me feel like somebody. It makes me feel that I now have what most people have. I wish everybody with a mental illness could have housing. I walk around with my head held high and my shoulders back. Housing gave me a life.”
Following the housing first model, Pathway Homes is a partner in preventing and ending homelessness, touching over 2,000 lives in 2023 and ensuring access to affordable stable homes in permanent supportive housing units.