Joining Together
FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
REFLECTING ON 2023
This year brought new challenges in our mission to end homelessness. Housing costs reached unprecedented levels and our community’s census of homeless families was the highest it had been since 2017. Despite the high need and the limitation of affordable housing, I am incredibly proud of our team—we served over 500 individuals experiencing homelessness. Over the course of 2023, 94% of the homeless families we served moved into housing and did not return to homelessness.
There were many bright spots throughout the year that it is difficult to only reflect on a few. Together, we:
Provided homes to over 165 homeless children and their families who will welcome the New Year in the safety of a home.
Welcomed 8 new staff to our Miriam’s House dream team—colleagues who bring with them expertise and a passion to serve our neighbors made vulnerable by homelessness.
Hosted our 2nd Annual Coldest Night of the Year walk with over 350 walkers
Returned to our full-capacity annual luncheon with over 450 guests!
Accepted the Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference Award for Best Housing Program for our Community First program.
Received over 311 volunteers who painted our home on Magnolia Street, delivered food and household items to our families in need, and provided valuable support to our housing programs.
JOINING TOGETHER IN 2024
This coming year may continue to bring hardships for families in need but I know that our dedicated staff, board, and each of you will join together to ensure that families in our community have a safe place to call home. I am grateful to live and work in a community that does not accept homelessness as an unsolvable reality but rather works so hard to move families into homes where they can thrive.
I wish all of you a New Year filled with hope and kindness.
Warm Regards,
Sarah Quarantotto, Executive Director
