Meals for PathForward
In 2021, as hypothermia season hit with the COVID-19 pandemic still underway, our friends at PathForward (formerly ASPAN) found themselves in need of assistance feeding an increasing number of guests in their shelter. In addition, new COVID protocols required meals to come from certified kitchens. To help meet the needs, the Columbia Pike Partnership (formerly CPRO) formed a partnership with La Cocina who provided 1,300 meals to PathForward for the winter of 2021 (January – March, 13 Weeks). This program was funded by Arlington Presbyterian Church, E.G. Reinsch, an anonymous donor, and several local contributors.
Today, the need to provide hot meals during COVID and hypothermia season continues. The need is even greater with PathForward now supporting more guests than last year at the shelters. Our goal this year is to provide one meal per week to the shelter until the end of hypothermia season.
The Need
Every year, PathForward (formerly A-SPAN) expands its shelter capacity for hypothermia season (Nov – Mar). Due to the pandemic, PathForward is taking in even more guests than usual, increasing the need to resources such as food. Additional restrictions due to COVID-19 have also provided challenges in securing those resources. Without being able to rely on their usual volunteers and suppliers, PathForward found itself in need of new connections and the Columbia Pike Partnership stepped up to help.
We were so fortunate last year to have very generous and amazing supporters and donors. To repeat last year’s success, a total of 720 hot meals will now need to be provided until the end of hypothermia season. Including transit, taxes, service, etc., the total cost $9,000.
Help us feed those in need by donating to this program!
About Our Partners
In the 1980s, PathForward (formerly A-SPAN) was born out of Lora Rinker’s passion for ending homelessness and hunger. Two nights per week, Lora and friends prepared and served meals to Arlington’s most vulnerable. This initial act of empathy and kindness led to the formation of A-SPAN in 1992, and the organization has grown significantly to become an innovative, industry-leading organization with a full continuum of compassionate care to meet the needs of homeless adults, many of whom are veterans.
Following the creation of Day and Drop-In programs in 1998, the organization expanded to include the Permanent Supportive Housing Program in 2007, Rapid Rehousing and Homelessness Prevention in 2009, and nursing services in 2010. In 2015, the Homeless Services Center (HSC) and Medical Respite Program opened. The Center revolutionizes homeless services as it houses all of the programs in one facility so that clients can access services at one central location, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. To learn more about PathForward’s services visit pathforwardva.org.
Thank You to Our Sponsors & Donors
Anonymous Donor
