Last evening, the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) dedicated its new boardroom in honor of affordable housing customer and advocate, Paulette Whiteside. The new boardroom is part of the One University affordable housing development adjacent to George Mason University.
“We are so honored to dedicate this space to Ms. Whiteside. Through her commitment to community and tireless volunteerism, she made sure that all voices were heard, including those of our local affordable housing customers and our veterans. We strive to live by her example, and that is why the FCRHA board room is being dedicated to Ms. Whiteside,” said Lenore Stanton, Chair, FCRHA.
Ms. Whiteside was a resident at Robinson Square in Fairfax, the affordable housing community that was redeveloped into One University. A local leader, she served as chair of the FCRHA’s Resident Advisory Committee where she represented the voices of affordable housing customers and brought forth new ideas to the agency. Ms. Whiteside was well-known in her community and could be found coordinating neighborhood bingo games and cookouts; creating Black History Month displays at Fairfax High School; and volunteering with the local school Parent Teachers Association.
A Washington D.C. native, Ms. Whiteside served as president of the American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 8 Ladies Auxiliary for several years. In this role, she represented the Auxiliary at national conventions and served as administrative assistant to the Washington D.C. AMVETS executive director.
Ms. Whiteside parlayed her love of community into her work. She was an employee of Fairfax County Government for 28 years, most recently serving with its Neighborhood and Community Services agency.
Ms. Whiteside passed away in December of 2021.
