After living at the Embry Rucker Community Shelter for nearly a year, the wait is over for a single mom and her two children. On Oct. 1, they are scheduled to leave the shelter they have called “home,” and move into a two-bedroom 1-bath condominium in Reston Town Center purchased by Cornerstones.

Cornerstones Housing Corporation will lease the unit to the mother at an affordable rate. According to the Cornerstones website: "Northern Virginia has one of the most expensive housing markets in the United States, and it’s often difficult for working families to find housing within their budget." The mother was selected as the tenant after completing an application and income verification.

Cornerstones Housing Corporation rents their 49 townhouses and 9 condominiums at affordable rates to residents such as this single mother who earn half or less than the area’s median income. Tierra Faggins, Asset Manager at Cornerstones, said that if the mother's income increases, she as a renter can “graduate.” The goal of the program is for renters to become self-sufficient.

Cornerstones has been helping families and individuals by providing a variety of affordable housing options located throughout the Reston, Herndon and Centreville area through the Cornerstones Housing Corporation. As of August 2018, Cornerstones Housing Corporation successfully added this unit, #58, to their portfolio after receiving a competitive award. They had one year to purchase a property and find someone appropriate to live in it.

Faggins said the condominium is off Lake Shore Crest Drive in Reston Town Center. "It is a first-floor unit and easily accessible,” Faggins said. She added that the mother is coming out of a difficult situation. "She is so thankful to have the opportunity to live near where she works at a nearby restaurant. She never imagined having her own housing," Faggins said.

According to Faggins, one of the benefits of being a Cornerstones resident is the supportive services, goal setting and counseling provided by Cornerstones care managers.

When the mother went to visit the condominium, Faggins said the community and the neighbors were so welcoming. Although the unit is not entirely furnished yet, Cornerstones hopes the community will respond with donations.

Questions about Affordable Housing? Contact Cornerstones Housing Corporation’s Property Manager Eunice Robinson at 571-323-1420

To donate or for more information, visit www.cornerstonesva.org.