Imagine a world where everyone has a secure place to call home, access to nourishing meals, and the stability to create a brighter future. At PathForward, we strive to make that vision a reality, one individual at a time. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to move beyond the daily fight for survival that homelessness imposes.

Why Donate to PathForward

PathForward has been a beacon of hope in the Arlington, Virginia community since 1992. Our mission is clear: to transform the lives of people experiencing homelessness by addressing both immediate and long-term needs. From providing essential medical care and safe shelter to helping individuals transition into stable housing, PathForward’s holistic approach helps people regain their independence.

When you donate to PathForward, you’re not just giving money or items; you’re giving people the tools and support they need to rebuild their lives.

A few things we’d like you to know about PathForward:

1. We are a trusted local organization.

PathForward is a trusted nonprofit, recognized for our commitment to ethics, transparency, and impact. We are proud to hold the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, and the SPUR Award for Local Leadership. These accolades reflect our dedication to serving our community with integrity and accountability.

2. We provide more than just temporary solutions.

Our dedicated team works alongside our clients to create a personalized plan for long-term success. Your contributions fund programs that go beyond shelter and food, addressing physical and mental health, employment, and long-term housing solutions. We empower people to rebuild their lives, step back into independence, and achieve lasting stability. Since our first supportive housing program began, over 466 people have found stable housing, with 91% remaining housed five years later thanks to ongoing case management.

3. We are driven by community impact.

Since 2013, PathForward has cut chronic homelessness by 77% and has earned recognition at the local, regional, and national levels for our leadership in addressing homelessness. Through our “Housing First” approach and comprehensive 24/7 support services, we are committed to eliminating homelessness in Arlington.

How Your Donation Helps

Your donation to PathForward goes directly toward providing life-saving services to those in need. Whether it’s a one-time gift or a recurring contribution, your support will have an immediate and measurable impact.

Here’s how your donation helps:

Healthcare Services

PathForward offers essential medical services, which are often the first step in getting people back on their feet.

Our innovative Mobile Medical Program (MMP) advances healthcare equity for those experiencing homelessness or living in supportive housing. Teams composed of a registered nurse, licensed clinical social worker and case manager offer essential medical services such as health screenings, wound care, medication and referrals to specialists.

Our full-time nurse practitioner and registered nurse provide free medical care, follow-up care and prescriptions throughout a client’s cycle of care, from their time on the street to our Day Program to ongoing care once housed.

And for individuals discharged from an area hospital with no home in which to heal properly, our Medical Respite Program maintains five private beds for 24 patients annually.

Emergency Shelter and Housing

Your contributions provide safe, temporary shelter and help fund long-term housing solutions for individuals and families. In addition to our emergency shelter program, which serves more than 500 people in a given year, we have multiple housing programs for those experiencing homelessness, including:

• Rapid Re-Housing

  This short-term rental assistance and access to supportive services helps people experiencing homelessness to obtain housing quickly, increase self-sufficiency and maintain housing.

• Permanent Supportive Housing

  Housing assistance and supportive services are provided to assist chronically homeless households with a disability in achieving housing stability. Case managers meet with clients weekly and provide access to things such as moving costs, case management, education services, employment assistance and job training, food, life skills training, mental health and outpatient health services, and transportation.

• Transitional Housing

  This temporary housing is designed to offer immediate, low barrier and non-congregate emergency housing as an alternative to congregate shelter sites. The goal of transitional housing is to help individuals move quickly from homelessness to permanent, stable housing, offering them the security and resources needed to achieve long-term independence.

• Targeted Homeless Prevention

  By addressing potential homelessness before it happens, we help vulnerable individuals maintain their housing, avoid the trauma of displacement, and stay on the path to stability. We offer eviction assistance to individuals and families at risk of losing their homes. Clients are initially directed through the Department of Human Services (DHS) for centralized access, after which they are referred to a PathForward case manager for ongoing support.

Job Training and Employment Services

For people experiencing homelessness, stable employment is often the bridge to long-term housing and financial independence. Through our supportive daily services, PathForward helps individuals build skills and find employment, key steps toward self-sufficiency. By helping individuals secure stable employment, we empower them to break the cycle of homelessness and regain control of their lives.

Food and Basic Necessities

Everyone deserves access to the basics of survival, including nutritious food and personal hygiene items. By addressing these basic needs, we help people experiencing homelessness regain stability and take critical steps toward rebuilding their lives.

In addition to financial donations, there are many ways you can help PathForward serve the Arlington community, including donations of clothing, food and personal hygiene items, or by volunteering your time.

Donate Clothes, Food, Time, & More to People Experiencing Homelessness in Arlington, VA

Since 1992, PathForward has been helping people find their way to stability. Through comprehensive programs that offer a full circle of support, our clients find hope, dignity and the chance to live free from the threat of homelessness. Contact us to learn more or make a donation!