A lifetime of memories went up in flames for 137 residents of the
Forest Glen Senior Apartments in Centreville May 2 when a fire caused more than
$10 million in damages.
But the seniors displaced by the fire are not alone and have been
assisted by many organizations, including the St. Vincent de Paul conference,
or chapter, at St. Timothy Church in Chantilly.
Charlene Unterkofler, coordinator of senior relief services for
St. Vincent de Paul, said within a week the parish became involved in assisting
the seniors.
“We have had contact with the seniors there for many years,” she
said.
In the past few weeks, the conference spent $10,000 to help
seniors pay their first month’s rent in their new apartments and supplied them
with new beds, sometimes delivering the beds themselves to ensure the seniors
wouldn’t have to sleep on the floor their first night in a new place, according
to Unterkofler.
SVdP received a $10,000 donation from Bob’s Discount Furniture
Charitable Foundation, and $24,000 from St. Timothy parishioners, the Knights
of Columbus and partnering conferences, including All Saints Church in
Manassas, St. Leo the Great Church in Fairfax and Our Lady of Good Counsel
Church in Vienna.
Throughout the process, Unterkofler noticed resiliency in the
seniors. “They have a lot of hope in this. It’s a kind of new beginning,” she
said. “It is a real joy to be with them and work with them.”
Kathy Miller, president of the All Saints chapter, said assisting
these seniors is “all in a day’s work.” Their membership approved a $1,500 donation
to the St. Timothy’s conference to assist, and also help two couples moving to
Manassas. Father Lee R. Roos, pastor of All Saints, contributed parish funds
for the immediate needs.
One couple secured a ground-floor apartment. Several household
items, such as furniture and a queen-sized bed were donated. The Knights of
Columbus found and delivered a lift chair for the husband.
“This couple received everything they needed to begin their new
chapter,” said Miller. “They could not have been more pleased and grateful.”
Assisting these seniors is living out a part of SVdP’s mission
statement: “A network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in
holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and
service to people in need.”
“It is developing personal relationships with those in need that
sets us apart from other services,” Unterkofler said. “It’s all about being a
channel of God’s love and mercy through practical deeds to relieve the stress
of those who suffer.”
