By Sylisa Lambert-Woodard
CEO Pathway Homes

The first quarter of 2026 marked a variety of changes for Pathway Homes. These are changes that will lead us into a new era with new possibilities for those we serve.

We kicked off the year by launching our Mobile Outreach Unit (MOU), a retrofitted trailer that brings services, including showers, directly to people experiencing homelessness in Northern Virginia and DC.

The MOU made its first official stop at DC’s Miriam’s Kitchen, where we had numerous customers who enjoyed the shower—including a guest who had just left the hospital. A gesture as simple as a shower can be a moment of change for someone who is struggling. Miriam’s already offers outstanding case management for its customers, but for other stops we make in the region, we can also offer access to important supportive services.

We had several media outlets cover the launch and help capture this story of hope, including WTOP, WJLA, Street Sense, and WUSA. We look forward to opening our doors to more individuals who are facing  homelessness—offering dignity, compassion, and a way forward. Now we are in the process of adding regular stops in Northern Virginia as well.

We also participated in a rewarding and inspiring MLK Day of Service event, hosted by Volunteer Fairfax, that also supported our mobile shower program. We brought supplies needed for local kids to make hygiene kits to give to unhoused individuals in our region when they visit the Mobile Outreach Unit. This seemed like a fitting way to honor Dr. King’s legacy, as we worked with young people to help those who need a hand-up.

Bank of America also stepped up to help support the Housing and Hope Campaign, which will help build out our new HQ. Pathway Homes was named one of its 2025 Neighborhood Builders® for our work in creating pathways to stable and permanent housing for people and families across the DC region. Specifically, we received a $200,000 grant over 2 years, comprehensive leadership training for the organization’s executive director and an emerging leader, and access to a national network of nonprofit peers.

Our new home at 4010 University Drive in Fairfax will be a gateway to long-term support, including housing, food security, mental and physical healthcare, education, and workforce readiness. Work began this quarter thanks to funds from Bank of America as well as hands-on support and in-kind donations from HomeAid Northern Virginia and its partners. Our new HQ will not only serve as a community resource hub but also include 10 one-bedroom apartments for our most vulnerable unhoused neighbors. Our MOU will be garaged at this location, where there will be a food and supply storage area as well as a training center.

Our work in Orlando, FL, where we provide permanent supportive housing programs, helped us bring the MOU to the DMV. Orlando has a similar, effective mobile shower program, and we adapted the concept to be an important tool to serve the DC metro area.

We are honored to be the source of change for many people’s lives. Your support enables us to continue evolving to meet complex community needs in the DMV and Central Florida. Please know that real people with real stories and lives they seek to reclaim are helped by every donation you make.