ALTERNATIVE HOUSE

THE ABUSED AND HOMELESS CHILDREN'S REFUGE

Alternative House in the news

Congressman Gerald Connolly recognized Alternative House in the Congressional Record on April 21, 2009.  Click here to read his comments which are located at the bottom of the center column on the page.  

Click here to see a video about us that was produce for ExxonMobil by CACI Productions Group.  The video is about 2 minutes in length.

How We Got Started

Alternative House began as the first emergency shelter for runaway teenagers in Northern Virginia. A group of McLean based churches acknowledged the need for an emergency shelter for teens.  They opened their doors in the evenings to give teens a safe place to stay and when they realized the need was much larger than what they could handle, they supported the incorporation of Alternative House as a private non profit. Many important decisions, changes and additions have been made over the years that make Alternative House the place it is today.

Emergency Shelter for Teenagers: A History

Originally situated in a trailer on the grounds of Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, the Emergency Shelter for Teenagers moved to its own home on Gallows Road in 1974. Fifteen years later, the Shelter moved down the street to its current location at 2100 Gallows Road.  In 1990 the Northern Virginia Home Building Industry and Home Aid donated a renovation that doubled the size of the house.

Community Outreach Program: A History

In 1993 Alternative House expanded its services to reach out to at-risk young people in Fairfax County. The Community Outreach Program began with two counselors walking through the Culmore, Springfield and Route 1 neighborhoods reaching out to young people on the streets providing them with food, clothing, supplies, counseling and support. This mobile outreach continues today with staff walking the streets and with the Alternative House van. Additional recreational and educational services have been added to give young people safe places in which to spend their free time.  These programs help children and teens stay in school and improve their grades, while staying away from gangs, drugs and violent behavior.

Assisting Young Mothers: A History

In 2002 Alternative House expanded once again.  We resolved an unmet need by opening the Assisting Young Mothers (AYM) program, which provides shelter, counseling and support to homeless pregnant and parenting young women ages 16-24, and their children. AYM helps young mothers learn to budget their money, be nurturing parents, get their education and maintain employment.

Homeless Youth Initiative

On September 1, 2009 Alternative House opened new doors to at-risk youth in the community.  The Homeless Youth Initiative, through a partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools and funding by Fairfax County and 2009 ARRA (Recovery Act), is a targeted youth initiative for 16-21 year old FCPS students who are homeless and unaccompanied.  By providing safe and stable transitional housing and host homes in the community, youth are able to complete high school.  In addition to housing and community support, youth receive case management services, individual therapy, life skills education, tutoring, and assistance with emergency food and supplies.
 

Alternative House Today

With more than 38^th years of operation, Alternative House celebrates a diverse staff with a passion for helping young people and a dedication for making a positive difference in their lives. Alternative House is supported by devoted staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and community members. We aspire to provide at-risk youth with positive alternatives to destructive activities and decisions. Our programs help give young people hope for brighter futures.