VOICE Ministry
Advocating for Justice in our Community
We focus on issues that highly impact people and families in everyday life
IMMIGRATION
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING – May 2026
CONVERSATION GUIDE FOR TALKING ABOUT IMMIGRATION NEWS
Talking about immigration news can feel daunting, especially with people we know. Discussing news that impacts newcomers creates an opportunity to connect with others about common values and listen to new perspectives with curiosity.
There are practical, accessible tools to have thoughtful and grounded conversations about immigration news with people in your life without needing to be an expert.
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING – 101
Image credit: By Lula Oficial CC-BY-SA 4.0
The Church’s social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Modern Catholic social teaching has been articulated through a tradition of papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents.
Current VOICE Initiatives
HOMES FOR ALL VOICE ASSEMBLY
Because of the partnerships established at the October 2025 HOMES FOR ALL ASSEMBLY the following bills have been enacted into law:
* Faith in Housing (HB1279) adds thousands of affordable homes on missional land to help reduce Virginia’s severe affordable housing shortage.
* Affordable Dwelling Units (SB74) allows greater flexibility and options in implementing localities AfDU ordinances.
* Accessory Living Units (SB 531) expands housing choices, support aging in place, and add gentle density in existing communities.
* Parking Mandate (HB 888) creates guidelines on local parking to ensuring that new homes are near transit or in dense walkable areas.
NEW CRISIS RECEIVING CENTER
Image: Prince William County Commuications
Recent Developments & Performance
Initially opened for medical and law enforcement transfers in October 2025, the center now provides 24/7/365 immediate access for individuals and families walking in without a prior appointment. Within its first few months, the center served over 300 adults. Key outcomes reported by Connections Health Solutions (contractor PWC employes to operate the center) show that out-of-area placements dropped drastically from 43% to just 4%, keeping more residents close to home for care. Learn More
Legislative Interest and Regional Impact
In March 2026, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine and Representative Eugene Vindman toured the facility, citing it as a national model for behavioral health. The center serves residents of Greater Prince William, as well as surrounding areas including Fairfax, Loudoun, and Arlington counties and the City of Alexandria. By providing a direct alternative to emergency rooms and jails, it saved local law enforcement over 900 hours in its first month of operation alone. Discussions are currently underway regarding a second facility in the western end of the county. Learn More
VA AFFORDABLE HOUSING – WHAT YOU CAN DO
Help advance a Pro-Homes agenda in Virgina by sending a letter to your legislators today! LEARN MORE
Why is there a shortfall of over 200,000 homes in Virginia which is driving up the cost of homes throughout the Commonwealth? Learn More
Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching
The Church’s social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Modern Catholic social teaching has been articulated through a tradition of papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents. Click the image above to learn more.
Photo courtesy of PWC
AFFORDABLE HOUSING PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY
Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) Information Session
On February 24th PWC held an information session to explain procedures for application for grants from the newly established AHF. Discussed was: funding requirements, program priorities, eligible loan uses, and application process and 2026 timeline.
FY 2027 Proposed Prince William County Budget
The proposed budget includes a $5.0 million contribution to the Affordable Housing reserve fund. If passed the total contributions to the Affordable Housing reserve will be increased from $15.5 to $21.0 million.
PWC Housing “Fast Track Measures”
The County Board of Supervisors has directed staff to prioritize development of an Accessory Living Unit (ALU) policy, residential development waiver reforms, and providing publicly-owned parcels for Affordable Housing Projects.
We are your VOICE
Who we are
VOICE is a ministry of the parish that advocates for social justice on issues important to Prince William County and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The VOICE ministry provides an avenue for parishioners to become involved in their local communities, be an agent for social justice/change, and present a Catholic voice in the public square about important public policy issues
Why it’s important
The majority of VOICE issues are family and human dignity issues. Other parish ministries also address these topics, the parish VOICE ministry focuses on issues that highly impact people and families in everyday life – especially those communities of the poor and minorities. “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” (Luke 12:48)
Go Deeper
VOICE is called to be ever faithful in our ministry. We celebrate accomplishments, renew our efforts on works-in-progress, and always work for the greater glory of God. Read about some of our past and on-going efforts of this ministry in the briefs below.
How we advocate
VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) is a non-partisan coalition of almost 50 faith communities and civic organizations in Northern Virginia working together to create justice in middle and low-income communities. We advocate in the Northern Virginia region as faithful Catholics following the spirit of Dialogue and Proclamation, the 1991 document which encourages the faithful to work in advocacy and action with other Christians and people of different faiths.
Read more about VOICE here.
Successful VOICE Initiatives
Prince William County Pre K
Eight years ago, the Prince William County Public School (PWCPS) system only had 8 Pre K classes. The St. Francis of Assisi VOICE ministry began an initiative, that with the help of many other groups, changed Pre K availability for all. Today there are 80 Pre K classes in PWCPS
Investing in Schools
Too often we hear about a school lockdown, sad but occasionally necessary. What is always necessary is to lift up our children not only in education but also in health and emotional wellbeing. Did you know that one in five children and adolescents experience a mental health problem during their school years, but 60% don’t receive the support and treatment they need? Of the remaining 40%, two-thirds of them receive the treatment they need in the school setting. Want to help?
Laws that Burden the Poor
In 2018, Virginia’s threshold for felony theft was the lowest in the country at $250. For decades, thousands of Virginians have been saddled with felony convictions on their records for minor property crimes. Did you know that Virginia was one of the few states to suspend driver’s license for unpaid court debt. Both these unduly affect the poor, creating even more burdens in daily life. VOICE led campaigns that changed these laws.
VOICE Ministry Contact Form
This contact form is for those who want to contact ministry leaders, ask questions, or find out to become involved in the Church’s outreach to the public square where we live.
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