Local Missions
1. CHO – Committee for Helping Others
This is a Vienna-based all-volunteer mission organization comprised of members of most of the Vienna-area churches, as well as civic groups. CHO’s purpose is to help local people in need of food, clothing, furniture, transportation, and emergency services. CHO accepts donations and distributes needed items from several donated spaces in Vienna. Holy Comforter supports CHO with financial donations and volunteers.
2. FACETS (Fairfax Area Christian Emergency & Transitional Services)
Founded in 1988, FACETS provides emergency intervention and educational programs for homeless and low- income people in Fairfax County. This ministry responds to each individual’s needs and offers numerous volunteer opportunities. Holy Comforter prepares meals each second Sunday of the month. Others have offered training, tutoring, mentoring and transportation to medical appointments and job interviews. One-half of our Christmas offering is given each year.
3. The LAMB Center
Based in Fairfax and supported by a consortium of interdenominational churches, the Lamb Center operates as a day-time drop-in site for homeless and needy people. This safe, comfortable place offers a refuge and practical assistance such as laundry, job assistance, haircuts, medical screening, showers, phones, and spiritual needs. During the winter months The Lamb Center, in cooperation with the faith community, is involved in the Hypothermia Response Program, where the guests are housed overnight at different churches weekly and meals and hospitality are provided. Holy Comforter provides financial assistance along with lay and clergy to conduct services on a rotational basis. Volunteers are always needed to meet ministry and guest needs. 4. Mount Carmel House Shelter – This ministry assists a house located in Washington DC that provides food, shelter, and case management to women in transition from homelessness to independent living. Holy Comforter provides a lasagna and salad meal once a month for about 30 women from the shelter and the surrounding streets. Our youth group puts together gift bags of toiletries and cosmetics donated by parishioners at Christmas.
5. Pennywise Thrift Shop
The shop is run by the ECW of Holy Comforter Church and a staff of volunteers. Not only does the shop provide needed clothing and household items at a low cost to the community, the proceeds from sales give financial support to Holy Comforter and to outside charities.
6. Samaritan Ministries
In 1986 Holy Comforter starting donating funds and in 1988 became one of 45 Episcopal Churches in the area to provide a significant ministry to homeless and lower income persons in the DC area. The ministry provides a far ranging variety of services but its emphasis is on “next steps” to self-sufficiency. We share our Easter offering with them, and many participate in the Annual Walk for the Homeless. Our youth also participate in their Christmas Party. Others have taught workshops. There are two locations in Washington, DC and one in VA.
7. Shepherd’s Center (Oakton/Vienna)
This mission serves older persons in our Community by offering a number of services including Friendly Callers (contact for the homebound), Handy Helpers, transportation to appointments, grocery delivery, and a registered nurse on site. Holy Comforter provides financial support and volunteers who do things from office work to client contact services.
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