Last April, about 240 Fairfax County residents each day sought emergency assistance from the County. Last week that number was over 600. Families making minimum wage have been the hardest hit by the impact of the coronavirus, with hours shortened and loss of available daycare. These are parents who don’t receive healthcare benefits at work. Family PASS has been averaging 8-10 requests per week for emergency assistance compared with 2-3 a month last year.
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In talking about the barriers families face, Guest Speaker Delegate Mark Keam recalled his own uncertain childhood — and potential homelessness — when his family fled from Vietnam back to Korea where there was little family to support them and no jobs. He also recalled his first meeting, years later, with Family PASS founders Allan and Suezette Steinhardt. It was his first attempt at running for office and he was going door-to-door to find out what constituents felt were important issues. Then he knocked on the Steinhardt’s door. Suezette Steinhardt proceeded to educate the young candidate on the state of homelessness and near homelessness in Fairfax County — in his own district. It was an eye-opener and a situation the candidate could relate to… read 
The Bennetts lived from motel to motel after being wrongfully evicted from their home. Nonetheless, Mrs. Bennett managed to work full-time as a home health aide. Mr. Bennett had no license, no job, and no working car but was a committed stay-at-home dad for their six children. The children’s moves from school to school were affecting their education. The Fairfax County Public Schools Homeless Liaison contacted Family PASS for help.
