About Us
The Foundation of Good Shepherd Began in 1983Over 40 years of providing help and hope for the homeless.
“My case manager was awesome – she helped me accomplish my goals. I was able to secure two jobs and find a place of my own.” – Janet L.
Our Roots
The Good Shepherd came into existence in 1983 when a pastor—Charlie Grant—began taking homeless people into his own home. His work led to the creation of the area’s first organized homeless shelter, called Loudoun County Emergency Housing Alliance. This predecessor to Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia began raising funds to house the homeless for a short time at a local motel. Area developers then became involved, allowing use of vacant residences in the spirit of mutual responsibility in addressing homelessness.
Over the years, Good Shepherd grew, obtaining property, growing its distinguished Board of Directors, hiring professional staff, and establishing solid, coordinated programs to address not only housing, but the problems that cause and surround homelessness. Today, with the capacity to serve the community like never before, Good Shepherd operates an emergency shelter; 6 transitional homes for single women, single mothers and families, retail thrift stores in Ashburn, Sterling and Leesburg; and a small food pantry.
In addition to providing much-needed shelter, Good Shepherd has expanded its services to make a goal-oriented, intensive case management approach to self-sufficiency available to all our housing residents and to provide outreach programs to assist families in need through our food pantry, counseling and case management services, and thrift store voucher program.
What We Believe
Our Philosophy
Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia is the areas most comprehensive network of services for the homeless, near-homeless, and those in need. Our shelters and transitional housing not only provides care for the immediate needs of those who come to us, but we also work with partners in the community – organizations, volunteers, and local businesses to address the deeper causes of homelessness. Our goal is to help everyone find housing stability, economic independence, and self-sufficiency.
Our Mission
We passionately believe in providing a safe and secure temporary home where the unhoused in our community can live while navigating through their challenging life circumstances. We are a non-profit organization that provides relationship based programs to assist individuals and families to achieve the goal of housing stability and economic independence.
Our Vision
Every family and individual in our community and beyond will live in safe, affordable, and permanent housing to become self – sufficient participants in the community.