Lorton Community Action Center

James & Sarah* owned a successful business cleaning new homes before the final walk through by a builder and the new homeowners. The couple was earning approximately $160,000 a year. However, the housing crisis and recession claimed their business and home. When James & Sarah came to LCAC, they were living in a tent and had not eaten in over 24 hours. LCAC staff warmed up a calzone for them to eat and gave them 2 bags of food. Additionally, Heather was given a clothing voucher to shop at Lorton's Attic, LCAC's Thrift Store, since she was pregnant and needed more comfortable clothes.

 

The couple came back to LCAC the next day because their tent was stolen. LCAC's Case Manager sat down with the couple and patiently guided them through a phone call to Fairfax County's Human Services Coordinated Services Planning Office to try and locate emergency shelter, but there were no openings in the shelters. LCAC purchased a tent for the couple and provided them with a few recently donated pillows. Then, the staff directed James & Sarah back to Lorton's Attic to pick up blankets. A few days later the couple returned to LCAC for food, but then we did not see them for awhile. Finally, we learned that a family member had sent them a bus ticket to go to North Carolina.

LCAC does not know the final outcome for many of the agency's clients. However, LCAC works passionately and diligently to ensure that people are provided with the best support and resources that the agency can provide. LCAC's ability to be a life-line to so many individuals and families is a result of the generous support from our volunteers, donors and community partners.

*For confidentiality reasons, all names are changed.

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