HJ634: Commending Western Fairfax Christian Ministries.
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 634
WHEREAS, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries has worked diligently to reduce food insecurity and the risk of homelessness for members of the Fairfax County community during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, established in 1987 by 12 churches in Chantilly and Centreville, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries has grown to provide emergency assistance with rent and utility bills, food assistance through a food pantry, financial and budgeting education, support for students, and spiritual guidance to individuals and families of many faiths and backgrounds in western Fairfax County; and
WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries has maintained regular hours Monday through Friday and two Saturdays each month to ensure that families continue to receive critical food and financial assistance; and
WHEREAS, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries altered certain services based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Fairfax County Health Department, including temporarily pre-bagging food from its food pantry and handling many client appointments via telephone; and
WHEREAS, to address the unique challenges of the pandemic, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries launched a food and job security program in June 2020, partnered with Lazy Dog in Chantilly to purchase food for clients while supporting a local business, and worked with Mellow Mushroom to build and distribute Make Your Own Pizza Kits for local children; and
WHEREAS, in fiscal year 2020, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries provided more than 641,000 pounds of food or the equivalent of nearly 268,000 meals and helped keep over 2,000 individuals housed through more than $358,000 in financial assistance for rent and utilities; and
WHEREAS, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries has succeeded in its vital mission through generous grants and donations from businesses and individuals and through the hard work and support of church partners, local grocery stores, the United Way of the National Capital Area, Fairfax County officials, and countless volunteers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Western Fairfax Christian Ministries for its work to support members of the Fairfax County community during the COVID-19 pandemic; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Western Fairfax Christian Ministries as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the organization’s achievements in service to the residents of Fairfax County.