Nimby. "Not in my backyard." That was my attitude, and the mentality that still permeates plenty of Fairfax City residents, with regards to the Lamb Center, that serves the local homeless population. This facility located at Fairfax Circle, has been helping in this area since 1992, and it is run by Executive Director John McPherson and Director of Operations Dave Laraby. The Lamb Center does have an oversight board, and it is 100% faith based, citizen donation operated, being a 501 C charity. Churches from the area partner with it, and as I was invited upon request to sit down with John and Dave briefly, I was able to observe some aspects of this center. It has sparked controversy in the city and elsewhere, as many of its guests are addicted to alcohol, drugs, mentally ill, or a combination of all.
Twice in the past month I have visited the Lamb Center, once unannounced, to get a better understanding of this place, and what it does. For those who have asked, it is a very clean place, even the showers that are constantly complained about, by one or more folks on Fairfax Underground, and other online venues where people discuss local issues. These showers are by no means going to be confused with the Marriott, but could best be described as "being like the ones you visit when camping at Lake Fairfax" or another park in the area. A walk around the area on both visits prior to going in showed no trash, beer bottles, drug paraphernalia, or anything else notable. There is a dumpster in front of the building, that sits next to where the old 7-11 used to. The sign simply reads "3220 Old Lee Highway", and on the door you will see that it is indeed the "Lamb Center."
I do believe on my second visit, and prior to my arrival, a sign was placed on the door. It reads "Drunk and disorderly patrons will be reported to the City of Fairfax Police." Whether this coincides with my announced visit, that's up for interpretation, or if there's been some action that I have not been made aware of yet or will discover. Sitting down with John and Dave was an interesting experience, as has been observing the activities, that take place here. Dave freely admitted to me, that he "became involved with the Lamb Center, after getting in trouble with the criminal justice system." This was a crime that involved international phone calling, and he was assigned duty at the Lamb Center, as part of paying his debt to society. He was not thrilled about it, and purposely just did laundry, to fulfill his assignment. Yet he told me, "something pulled at him." He felt as if "God told him he should be helping out those who are less fortunate," and he regularly volunteered, and is now in his current position. Dave leads regular prayer services, and while it is Christian based, all are welcome.
John McPherson was a distributor for the Washington Post. He now oversees the daily operation of the Lamb Center, and is interested in not only the faith aspects, but also would like to "see more businesses step up, with regards to hiring guests." John stated that he "is very appreciative to the local folks who donate food, including grocery stores and restaurants." However, John brought up one of the guests success stories, and he freely admitted that "many times there are multiple failures, prior to seeing some level of success." The view of the Lamb Center, is "to treat the person, and love them for who they are, regardless of their condition." He has guests that are mentally ill that view it as a refuge, where they can sit and do nothing if comfortable, or get involved with bible studies, see a nurse, get mental health services in conjunction with a partnership with social workers and others, or just get a shower and some hot food.
During our visit, I have to admit bias here, I was touched by the kindness of these two gentlemen, and by something John talked about. That was "about a guest who has a couple an hour week job, where he is doing menial tasks." According to John, "this guest's self esteem and overall happiness has increased, and from all accounts, he is doing a fine job helping out at this job." He says this guest has shown more willingness to be involved with empowerment programs, and its been a complete change of attitude, since this individual was hired. John's main goal, is in addition to running the operation of the Lamb Center, to find employers willing to hire guests even for just a couple of hours if they can. If there are any Fairfax City or local companies who want workers, no matter the task, it was his "impassioned plea" to find someone who's "willing to give one of our guests a chance to do something productive."
John then proceeded on a tour of the facility. Out back, there is a porch with benches, and a door that can be used in case of an emergency. (Fire Code compliant) Inside is a place where volunteers do laundry for the guests, greet them at the door, and tables for prayer services. There are crosses on the walls, Bibles readily available, along with other literature. Food is served daily, as is water, and other liquids to keep guests hydrated. John stated that they average "100 guests per day," as we walked to the shower area, and then also to the pantry, where supplies are kept. During my visit, there were about fifty guests there, and it was a diverse crowd, although mostly white men in their late 40's. Many of them do smoke cigarettes out front, but the atmosphere inside was respectful.
If needed, John stated "they do have a ban policy, and an excellent relationship with the Fairfax City Police." The police can issue trespass notices to the guests, if they become unruly, and the Lamb Center also can ban guests on a case by case basis." This can last from a few hours to longer. Its up for that guest, to agree to meet with the staff member that they offended, and resolve the problem. Often a third party(neutral) is called in, to mitigate this, and the Lamb Center continues to work with them, even if they fail again and again. The patience of the staff is no doubt called in to question, as they've sometimes put up a family in a motel temporarily if released from a hospital late at night, and they do have a AA chapter on site.
John and Dave both said "the Lamb Center changes you." I have to admit bias here, as I did in fact notice that I was impressed, that they deal with a vulnerable and unpredictable population, with love and compassion that so many of us would not have the heart to do, on a daily basis. Yet they do just that, and there will be more articles about this facility. I do still have some concerns, such as residential areas, businesses being affected, but there are 2,000 some homeless folks in Fairfax County. (best estimate) They are our neighbors, somewhere and someplace, and often according to the staff here "come from broken families, and then added on top of this is self medicating pain with booze and drugs." I am thankful for both of the visits, and for more information from the Lamb Center itself visit it, or check out their website at http://www.thelambcenter.org/.
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