March 16, 2025
Three Leaderships, One Mission: The Evolution of Homestretch
“Nancy Taxson, the first Executive Director, brought a fresh approach to homelessness, shifting from temporary shelters to providing families with up to two years of stable housing in rented apartments or homes. Working from her basement and garage, she furnished these homes and offered families the opportunity to access jobs and training while children attended nearby schools. Families were required to contribute 30% of their income toward rent, save 10%, and begin paying down debts. Taxson encouraged skill development and provided clear paths to higher-paying jobs, closely tracking progress along the way.”
“As support grew, Homestretch expanded its funding with help from local congregations, businesses, and individuals, such as Dulin United Methodist, The Falls Church Anglican, Vienna Presbyterian, CapitalOne, and Reed Smith. Bipartisan policymakers, including Tom Davis, Jim Scott, Gerry Connolly, and Jim Moran, also supported the cause.”
“By 2006, when Taxson retired, Homestretch had expanded significantly, owning an office building and numerous housing units. The organization employed job counselors, credit advisors, and case managers. In total, 692 families and 1,780 children achieved self-sufficiency and contributed to their community’s prosperity.”
“We had to scale back the number of families we served and find new sources of revenue. Meanwhile, government policy at all levels (federal, state, county) changed dramatically regarding how a nonprofit receiving government funds could serve homeless families; if we continued receiving government funds, our historic rate of success would likely plummet. At that time, almost 70% of our funding came from government grants. We faced a choice: continue receiving government funds and accept that our families could no longer receive the personalized care we were known for; or reduce our reliance on government money so we could continue providing individualized services to families. We chose the latter. Individual donors, the faith community, and local businesses and corporations stepped up to help.”
“Within a few years, less than 5% of our funding came from any government source. This gave us freedom to experiment. We strove to provide the best and most complete care to the families we served. One of the additions that I am proudest of is adding our licensed preschool, Kidstretch, the brainchild of our Kidstretch director, Kim Rose. It is now a premier preschool in our region.”
“Over the years, we recruited independent third parties such as local universities (George Mason, George Washington) and local corporations (MITRE, Ecosystems) to help us track our long term outcomes and measure those outcomes against what is being achieved by homeless organizations across the nation. I loved this work, I loved the people who worked alongside me, and I loved the families we served. I would have kept on serving as ED until I was ninety-nine years old, if health issues had not forced me to retire after 17 years at the helm. Serving Homestretch was a joy and an honor for which I am forever grateful.”
“As we celebrate 35 years of Homestretch’s unwavering commitment to empowering homeless families, I stand in deep gratitude—for the mission that has guided us, for the families whose courage inspires us, and for the countless individuals who have made this journey possible.”
“None of this would be possible without the dedication of our staff, board, volunteers, and community partners. You have helped build more than a program—you have built a movement that breaks the cycle of poverty and homelessness, one family at a time.”
“As we honor our past, we must also look forward. The challenges families face are ever evolving, and so must we. In the years ahead, Homestretch will continue to innovate, advocate, and expand its reach, ensuring that every family that walks through our doors leaves stronger, more self-sufficient, and empowered to build a brighter future. I invite you to stand with us—not just in celebration, but in action. Whether through your time, your resources, or your voice, you are an essential part of this mission. Together, we will continue to change lives, shape futures, and prove that homelessness does not have to be a life sentence—it can be a chapter in a much greater story of triumph.”
“Here’s to 35 years of impact—and to the future we will build together.”