On Saturday, Nov. 9, Christ House, a project of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, was awarded the HomeAid Northern Virginia Non-Profit Service Provider Project of the Year Award. HomeAid is a non-profit that builds and renovates local housing and shelter facilities. The award recognizes the successful completion of the renovations undertaken at Christ House through a partnership with HomeAid this year and was given to Christ House at HomeAid’s 18th Annual Gala.
“The extensive renovations to Christ House, provided by HomeAid and its partner contractors, strengthened Catholic Charities’ ability to best serve the local community for years to come,” said Art Bennett, president, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington. “These kinds of partnerships demonstrate what true service is all about. Key historic elements of the building were preserved throughout the renovation process. More importantly, our evening meal, which feeds homeless men, women and families 365 days a year, was continued every single day without missing a beat.”
Earlier this year, Catholic Charities announced the completion of the $83,000 renovation and upgrade at Christ House, located in Old Town Alexandria, undertaken by HomeAid. The top-to-bottom, three-floor facelift included upgrades to the kitchen, dining room, lobby, residents’ rooms and bathrooms. Throughout the building, new flooring, vents, thermostats, electrical, and lighting were installed. Staff offices, meeting rooms, and a chapel were also freshened with new paint, flooring, lighting, and window treatments.
Christ House provides transitional housing, including counseling and job mentoring, for 14 homeless men, a food pantry, emergency financial assistance, a clothing ministry and thrift store, and, with the help of scores of parishes and community groups, the nightly evening meal that has served dinner every night since 1974. The building dates to 1810. For more information on Christ House, visit https://www.ccda.net/give-help/donate-food/donate-to-alexandria-food-pantry/