Ten local students who are affordable housing residents received $5,000 scholarships from the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) for their education and training.
Several recipients were recognized at the FCRHA meeting on October 17. Scholarships are designed to promote postsecondary education and technical training for Fairfax County residents who live in affordable housing.
Recipients reflected on their experiences of affordable housing and their scholarship award.
“You cannot afford a future if you cannot afford the present. Affordable housing enables my family – and countless others – to consider a future by providing financial stability,” said Phuong Anh Quach, George Mason University.
“As a single parent, balancing work responsibilities with parenting duties is crucial, and affordable housing has played a pivotal role in enabling me to be present for my children when they need me the most,” said Edna Atenie Beyene, Capella University.
“Affordable housing is more than just a roof over your head; it’s about feeling safe and secure, knowing that you have a place to call ‘home’ no matter what. It’s about fairness and equality, ensuring everyone, regardless of income, has access to decent housing while creating communities where everyone feels welcome and included,” said Hadil Ali, George Mason University.
“Access to affordable housing is an essential catalyst for social and economic advancement. It opens doors to education, employment, and upward mobility, leveling the playing field and reducing disparities,” said Iffat Raja, George Mason University.
“Affordable housing, to me, embodies the promise of opportunity, stability, and
community for all individuals. It is about creating an environment where all individuals and their families can live comfortably and securely,” said Hanaa Azzouzi, Virginia Commonwealth University.
“Affordable housing should also allow people to establish relationships among members of the community. One should feel comfortable meeting new people and starting friendships in the neighborhood,” said Lydia Ghebrezghi, William and Mary.
About the Scholarships
The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority established the scholarship program to promote higher learning among individuals and families receiving housing assistance. This year, a total of $50,000 in scholarships were awarded at $5,000 per recipient.
Scholarships are designed to promote postsecondary education and technical training for Fairfax County residents who live in affordable housing supported by the FCRHA. To qualify, scholarship awardees must have been a member of a household currently receiving housing assistance through the FCRHA; a resident of Fairfax County for at least six months prior to application deadline; and accepted into an accredited post-secondary education institution.
Scholarships are aligned with the FCRHA’s designation as a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development “Moving To Work” agency. Moving To Work promotes locally designed strategies that include using federal dollars more efficiently and helping residents become more economically self-sufficient.
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