As we continue to assess the needs of the residents displaced by the fires on May 2, we have identified two additional needs:
MONETARY DONATIONS
While gift cards continue to be a great resource, cash will work best for addressing housing needs, including application costs, deposits, rent, etc. Please consider designating a cash donation to Western Fairfax Christian Ministries, the organization taking the lead to work directly with the county and the affected residents, for this immediate need.
You can mail or drop off donations to Western Fairfax Christian Ministries(WFCM); 4511 Daly Drive, Suite J, Chantilly, VA. WFCM can receive donations in person from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.
WFCM is also accepting online cash donations at wfcmva.org. To donate online, first click the “Donate” button on the main page. You can then direct your funds to fire victims by scrolling down to the “Select a Designation” section and choosing the “Support Fund – Victims of Centreville Fire May 2018” option.For additional information, call 703-988-9656 or email rkolowe@wfcmva.org.
HOUSING
Long-term affordable housing options for those displaced by the fire, particularly our older adult residents, is a primary focus right now. We are looking for tax-credit affordability level and accessibility (ADA) among other criteria.
For offers or information on housing criteria, contact Elisa Johnson with the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development at703-279-7302, TTY 711.
In addition, Volunteer Fairfax continues to receive donations of generic gift cards on behalf of the coordinating community-based organizations serving the residents. Denominations of $20 or less are preferred. Gift cards can be dropped off during normal business hours or mailed to their office at 10530 Page Ave, Fairfax, VA 22030. Alternatively, call Volunteer Fairfax at 703-246-3460 or email volsrus@volunteerfairfax.org to coordinate your gift. After hours, leave a message and someone will contact you to coordinate your donation.
GO FUND ME CAMPAIGNS
You may have noticed several Go Fund Me accounts created online related to the Forest Glen and Sully Station fires. Please note that these are not official Fairfax County-sponsored fundraising efforts. Fairfax County, through its donations management plan within the county’s emergency operations plan, has at this time identified Western Fairfax Christian Ministries and Volunteer Fairfax as the official custodians of donations to residents affected by the fires.
FOR RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THE FIRES
People impacted by the Centreville fires may contact the county’s Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880, TTY 711 for short-term or long-term needs.