Catholic Charities' Christ House Recognized with HomeAid Northern Virginia's Non-Profit Service Provider Project of the Year Award

Extensive Renovations Enable Christ House to Best Serve Those in Need in Alexandria

ARLINGTON, Va. - On Saturday, November 9, Christ House, a project of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, was awarded the HomeAid Northern Virginia (HANV) Non-Profit Service Provider Project of the Year Award. HANV 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 HANV this year and was given to Christ House at HANV'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 and CEO, 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 HANV. 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 here.

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Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington serves the poor and vulnerable who live within the 21 counties and seven cities of the Diocese of Arlington, which is led by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge. Catholic Charities provides food for the hungry, a free medical clinic for adults including prenatal care, adoption services, transformational housing for the homeless, mental health counseling, emergency financial assistance, prison ministry, workforce development and immigration and refugee services. Catholic Charities serves all, regardless of faith. www.ccda.net.