Cornerstones, the nonprofit organization and contracted provider based in Reston has “purposely worked to strengthen the local community and help individuals and families living in crisis.” And they help not only those who are unsheltered and homeless but all who come to them for assistance. Cornerstones assists families and individuals in rebuilding their self-sufficiency, resilience, and hope. 

“In addition to serving unhoused Reston residents, Cornerstones’ Embry Rucker Community Shelterstaff and case managers provide critical support to a broader community of individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness,” Cornerstones said.

Cornerstones engages in continuing efforts to support former residents of the Reston encampment, The Hill, who are now utilizing the County’s Temporary Overnight Shelter and working with their case managers to secure safe and affordable housing. 

Cornerstones provided statements, data and answers to The Connection’s questions via email, lightly edited for length and clarity:

Fairfax County contracted providers, like Cornerstones and advocacy organizations like Restonstrong, recognize that there are county-wide strategies and requirements for coordination. 

When the county moved to close the encampment, Cornerstones was fortunate to work with the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, Restonstrong, and the residents of the Hill encampment to help people successfully transition to the temporary overnight shelter or other resources of their choice. The majority of individuals who were residing on the Hill at the time of the closure have utilized the temporary overnight shelter and other homeless services provided by Embry Rucker Community Shelter staff and partners

. 

Data Requests:

The number of former Reston encampment residents who have successfully transitioned from TOS to housing: Three individuals who left the Hill and stayed at TOS have successfully transitioned into housing.

The number of former Reston encampment residents working with a Cornerstones’ Embry Rucker Community Shelter case manager or Street Outreach staff: 15 individuals are currently engaged with our case managers and working toward their housing goals.

The number of former Reston encampment residents on track, working with Cornerstones, to move into affordable housing by the end of the holidays: Two individuals are expected to transition into housing before the end of the year, with six others closely following, likely moving in early next year.

Nine individuals from the Reston encampment have been housed so far, reflecting our continued commitment to addressing homelessness and helping individuals achieve housing stability.

In addition to serving unhoused Reston residents, Cornerstones’ Embry Rucker Community Shelter staff and case managers provide critical support to a broader community of individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. In FY24, our Homeless Services Program served 1,122 people through a wide range of programs, including:

* Family and singles shelters

* The overflow hotel shelter temporarily supported 25 families this past year.

* Medical respite program

* Street outreach and drop-in services

* The Hypothermia Prevention Program is currently underway, along with overflow shelters and cooling programs.

* Homelessness prevention and diversion

Cornerstones’ work has yielded significant outcomes, including:

* 159 families with 323 homeless infants, children, and youth served (including four veteran households)

* 690 single individuals, including 37 veteran households, were supported.

* 134 households transitioned to permanent housing (51 families and 83 single individuals)

Additionally, Cornerstones serves 120,000 meals, snacks, and bagged lunches annually, with an estimated 30,000 additional meals provided to temporary overnight shelter guests this year.