Board approves Patrick Henry Place

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 2 approved a project to replace the Patrick Henry Family Shelter in Seven Corners with a permanent supportive housing facility.

The new four-story Patrick Henry Place, at the corner of Patrick Henry Drive and Leesburg Pike, will have 16 units for families with children transitioning out of homelessness.

Tenants will sign a lease with no expiration date and will pay rent equal to about one-third of their household income.

Related story: Planning Commission endorses supportive housing facility in Seven Corners

The facility will be managed by Shelter House. Supportive services will be provided to residents, such as job and healthcare referrals and education on tenancy skills, project manager Amila Bebek told the board.

It’s in a great location for tenants, Bebek said, as it’s close to the Seven Corners Shopping Center, bus stops, and Bailey’s Upper Elementary School.

Tom Barnett, deputy director of the Office to End and Prevent Homelessness, said Fairfax County has shifted its focus from emergency shelters to permanent housing with supportive services. Referrals to the existing Patrick Henry shelter have declined by 69 percent in the past five years.

Fairfax County purchased the property from the Holly Brooke II Condominium Unit Owners Association.

The 24,000-square-foot building will have a multipurpose room and office. There will be a fenced-in open space with a playground in the rear of the property for tenants.

The building design will accommodate future solar panels and an electric vehicle charging station. It will be eligible for a Silver LEED certification for sustainability.

The project includes sidewalks on Patrick Henry Drive and Leesburg Pike, a bus shelter, and an open public plaza with seating.

Construction is expected to start in spring 2023. The building is scheduled to be completed in fall 2024.