The Lamb Center is a place where lives are changed, and people have an opportunity to make a fresh start. And during this nonprofit’s recent banquet, two of its former guests, Padma and Jesse, shared their stories with those attending. (To protect their privacy, they only gave their first names).
Padma became homeless at the end of 2021 after leaving her job to start her own business, which didn’t materialize as she’d envisioned. “I lost everything,” she said. “And before I knew what happened, I was without a home. I didn’t seek help from family and friends. Homelessness was daunting, at first.
“However, I started meeting people in similar situations, and they made me realize I wasn’t alone on this journey. I came to TLC in August 2022. I got information about Medicaid, SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, providing federal funds for food] and housing, and was also connected with FACETS [which helps with basic needs].”
Soon, Padma began visiting The Lamb Center every day because, she explained, “For people experiencing homelessness, their immediate needs are food, taking a shower, doing laundry, and having a place to store whatever little stuff they own. They also have the resources to help you get a new start. A doctor and a dentist come once a week, and there’s a temporary jobs program with the City and county.”
She was one of the City Jobs workers, with the Parks Department, and enjoyed it. And the money she earned helped her pay for a bus pass and other critical needs. “I eventually got a job at Whole Foods, and TLC helped me apply for housing,” said Padma. “Once it was approved, TLC provided the household and kitchen items for the house, and I’ve been in my new home since February.”
Now, she said proudly, “I have a place to do knitting and crocheting – which I’d missed doing. This wouldn’t have been possible if not for TLC. All the staff members are dedicated, compassionate and devoted to the cause, and I can’t thank them enough.”
As for Jesse, he was taking care of his father, in December 2020, when his dad died. Afterward, he found himself homeless. He had a good job but, between child-support and health-insurance payments, he couldn’t make ends meet. He was in Tennessee then and started walking north.
“I headed to visit the Vietnam Memorial in [Washington], D.C., because that was something my father always wanted to do and didn’t get to,” said Jesse. “After traveling to other states, I eventually came to Fairfax, looking for a job. It was October-November, and I was stuffing my clothes with paper to stay warm, and that’s how I came to TLC.”
“A CUE bus driver told me about it, and they helped me get Medicaid, mental-health treatment and a voucher to look for an apartment,” he continued. “Now I’m almost fully housed, and it’s all because of people’s generous donations to TLC, plus its volunteers and staff.
“I just have so much gratitude for how giving a community I’ve found here in Fairfax County and in the City of Fairfax. I’ve volunteered, and it’s been a wonderful experience. I’m also working roughly 30 hours/week with City Jobs, and those types of things make getting a housing voucher possible. And I know I’m not the only person who’s visited TLC and come out better.”