New Hope Housing Receives County Team Excellence Award

New Hope Housing received the 2012 Team Excellence Award at the Fairfax County Awards Ceremony for its work collaborating with other agences to improve the county's family shelter intake system.

Board Chairman Sharon Bulova presented the award to New Hope Housing’s Director of Family Programs Melonie Barrow and Director of Residential Services Susan Keenan, along with eight agencies and sixteen employees who contributed to the shelter intake redesign, making it easier for homeless families to find options for housing.

The new family shelter intake structure eliminates a cumbersome waiting list and more quickly and efficiently provides homeless families or families at imminent risk of homelessness well-suited housing options, according to a release sent out by New Hope Housing. The new system was created through a partnership of county agencies, Fairfax County Public Schools, and local nonprofits. Team members received a certificate of commendation, two days of administrative leave, and a team cap.