Improvements underway at the Bailey’s Shelter
Since FACETS took over management of the troubled Bailey’s Shelter in late 2025, the nonprofit has taken steps to resolve the problems stemming from New Hope Housing’s mismanagement.
The Bailey’s Shelter & Supportive Housing, located on Seminary Road in Bailey’s Crossroads, provides overnight stays for adult men and women. The two top floors have 18 studio apartments for formerly homeless people with mental or physical disabilities who need extra support to live independently.
The Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness terminated its contract with New Hope Housing in September for a series of long-term deficiencies, including misallocation of resources, failure to train staff, and failure to provide housing options to the homeless.
Related story: New Hope Housing contract terminated
The previous staff under New Hope Housing had reached out to Annandale Today to complain that they hadn’t been paid on time – or at all – and that they had to spend their own money on basic supplies.
At this point, New Hope Housing paid everyone owed back pay, although some people received bad checks, so that is still being worked out, said Volunteer Coordinator Haley Jayne at an open house at the Bailey’s Shelter on Jan. 17.
One of the key changes made by FACETS has been reorganizing and augmenting the staff. There are now two case managers, two outreach specialists, two resident coordinators, a medical case worker, an employment counselor, a diversion specialist, and a case worker for the permanent supportive housing residents, said Michelle Hook, who’s in charge of administering the shelter.
There’s also a full-time nurse on-site Monday to Friday for people who don’t have health benefits.
Related Story: Homeless shelter staff complain about late paychecks, lack of supplies
About 20 former employees at the Bailey’s Shelter have been retained under FACET’s management. “For us, the biggest issue was only keeping staff who are a good fit,” said FACETS Board Chair Kevin Rockmann.
FACETS is also upgrading the security system, said Rockmann, noting that the cameras were not working. The organization is developing protocols on how staff should handle security and other issues.
In addition, FACETS has reactivated the shelter’s participation in Operation Stream Shield, a county program that pays homeless people to pick up litter and tree branches on public property.
The shelter hosts social activities, such as bingo night and movie night, said Hook. A Martin Luther King Day Celebration on Jan. 19 featured a community closet shopping event; soup, hot chocolate, and music outdoors; and a home-cooked lunch.
There are volunteer opportunities at the shelter for people who want to help out at the front desk, serve meals, and work with clients, said Jayne.
Donations are welcome, too. The biggest needs now are for coats, sweatpants, and bras in all sizes, she said. People can bring leftover food from parties, but open containers are not allowed.
Related story: New Hope Housing director blames the county for late paychecks to shelter staff
The Bailey’s Shelter relies on support from federal, state, and local programs, as well as financial assistance from individuals, businesses, and faith communities.
“The potential loss of federal funding is worrisome,” said FACETS Executive Director Joe Fay. The Trump Administration is moving toward transitional housing assistance and cutting funding for the “housing first” model that prioritizes permanent supportive housing, along with case management and other services.
“A lot of our clients aren’t able to get a job and housing right away,” Fay said. “Finding affordable housing is a huge challenge” in the area, especially when people don’t have supportive family networks.
“Our goal is to move people to housing as quickly as possible,” he said.
Related story: FACETS will manage the Bailey’s Shelter