Stories

Life often gives us circumstances beyond our control and for the individuals and families that Interfaith Outreach Association (IOA) serves, they don’t always have the resources to quickly recover. IOA exists to step in during those moments and assist with helping neighbors in need navigate during their tough times. It is a program supported by 84 communities of faith and individuals to provide programs that give education, guidance and support, to identify ways out or ways up. IOA works with individuals and families to assess their needs, assist them, and connect them with the many resources in our community that can empower them to improve their situation thought the following programs:

- Emergency Assistance Program: Assists those with utility terminations, eviction notices, and are in need with help with first month's rent as well as utility deposits

- Interfaith Rebuilds: Provide simple home repairs to keep people in their homes (VOLUNTEER)

- Furniture and Furnishings Program: This includes assisting those who have been displaced set up their new homes with needed furniture

- Progressive Release Program: Life Skills classes and Job Readiness classes and consultations helping ex-offenders locate, secure, and retain employment while addressing other outside challenges to employment

- Vision Information and Program (VIP): This includes support groups and free transportation to medical appointments and grocery shopping. (VOLUNTEER)

Phyllistine Mosley and George Dawson were honored for their community contributions at IOA's 2025 Seeds of Hope Luncheon. Mosley has dedicated her time to the Legacy Museum of African American History, Jubilee Youth Development Center and Academy Center of the Arts, among others. Dawson dedicated his career to improving access to healthcare at Centra and Virginia Baptist Hospital and has served in leadership roles at Lynchburg Humane Society and Lynchburg City Schools Education Foundation and Lynchburg Imagination Library. Both were lauded for their servant leadership, commitment and vision.

Stats from Interfaith Outreach Association:

• The social costs of eviction are estimated to be a minimum of $8,000- $17,000 per household (Cost of Eviction calculator -Richmond, VA).
• Homeless shelters remain full.
• 80% of households we serve include a child and/or an elderly relative.
• Housing continues to be the #1 expense for all with childcare and healthcare expenses closely following.
• The overwhelming majority of neighbors served by Interfaith Outreach have income less than $1,000 per month.
• Most families we serve rely on SNAP and Medicaid benefits.
• 3,030 people received emergency assistance with rent and utilities
• 1,011 families received emergency assistance
• 1,092 children maintained electricity, water, and housing
• 93% success rate with our Homeless Prevention Program
• 3,535 letters of encouragement were sent to people incarcerated
• 388 people participated in the Life Skills Classes in the Blue Ridge Jail system
• 77 families received assistance with much needed home repairs and modifications, such as ramps
• 94 families with 136 children received 816 pieces of furniture

To see a video from the Seeds of Hope Luncheon, Click Here.