2025: A Year of Possibilities & Growth
Looking ahead to 2025, I am excited about the possibilities that lie before us. This year marks a significant milestone for Homestretch as we celebrate 35 years of service to the Greater Falls Church and Northern Virginia communities. For over three decades, we have stood as a beacon of hope for families seeking a fresh start, and this anniversary gives us an opportunity to honor our past while boldly envisioning our future.
Our work has never been more urgent or important. Homelessness continues to affect families in our region, and the challenges of finding affordable housing are complex and multifaceted. Yet, thanks to your unwavering support, Homestretch has been able to provide comprehensive services—housing, employment assistance, financial education, and more—to help families break the cycle of poverty.
In the past year alone, 75% of Homestretch program clients were gainfully employed while the remaining clients were enrolled in educational or training programs. Total balances in clients savings and debt repayment accounts exceeded $198,000, and 70% of clients increased their income through employment or education opportunities. These statistics reflect the life-changing impact of your generosity and support.
In 2025, we will deepen our impact by expanding our programs and forging new partnerships. We aim to serve more families, innovate our approaches, and enhance the resources available to those in need. Our success depends on the collective efforts of our donors, volunteers, staff, and community partners, and I am confident that together, we can create lasting change.
As we prepare to commemorate our 35th anniversary, we invite you to join us in celebration and action. Stay tuned for updates on special events, stories of resilience from our clients, and ways you can be involved in making 2025 a year of possibilities and growth for Homestretch.
Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Your belief in our mission inspires us to continue striving for a future where every family has a safe home, hope, and the tools to thrive. Here’s to a remarkable year ahead!
Barfonce Baldwin
Executive Director