VOICE Ministry
Advocating for Justice in our Community
We focus on issues that highly impact people and families in everyday life
Current VOICE Intiatives
Affordable Housing Survey
Updated November 2024
This study is undertaken every five years to help the County determine the needs in the area of housing and how they can be addressed with federal resources, such as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). These funds provide the Prince William area with the opportunity to invest in housing, community facilities, public services, and homelessness prevention initiatives.
We need input from the community to get a better understanding of what you see as the needs in your area and how we can help address those needs. Please take a few moments to complete this short survey.
Affordable Dwelling Unit Ordinanceg
Updated November 2024
Affordable Dwelling Unit Ordinance (AfDU). At the present time two options are being considered by the PWC Board of Supervisors
Faith In Housing
Yes, In God’s Backyard – (YIGBY)
At the present time two bills are planned to be presented to support this initiative. One will require (shall) local VA governments to reduces current administrative delays and costs in place for faith-based institutions to build affordable housing on their property. The second will allow municipalities (may) to enact this type of legislation.
Crisis Receiving Center
Updated November 2024
The PWC Crisis Receiving Center is scheduled to open in the Spring of 2025 in Woodbridge near the Potomac Mills Mall providing both emergency and long-term support to adults and teenagers experiencing behavioral issues.
This facility will be located in Prince William County, but because it is funded by the Commonwealth, it will be open to all residents of Virginia no matter where they reside.
Starting next year, the St. Francis VOICE Ministry will be conducting educational sessions to inform members of the parish about CRC to make sure people know about it and how to utilize it once it opens.
AfDU Options Being Considered
Affordable Dwelling Unit Ordinance (AfDU) options being Considered by the PWC Board of Supervisors:
# 1. Legislation under VA Code 2305 or 2305.1 – voluntary compliance by developers (the difference in the two is the size of the density bonus.
#2. Legislation under VA Code 2405 – mandatory compliance by developers
2305 and 2305.1 can be enacted by the PWC Board of Supervisors this year. 2405 requires legislation passed by the VA House of Delegates and Senate as well a signature by the governor.
At the present time the BOS is reviewing both options and has included a request to allow PWC to enact a mandatory AfDU under the 2304 code in their 2025 Legislative Package. If the legislation does not pass they will consider enacting an AfDU under either VA Code 2305 or 2305.1
…more to come
CRC MEDICAID FUNDING ISSUE
THE ISSUE: A significant issue has arisen with regards to funding for the operation of Virginia’s Crisis Receiving Centers(CRC). In a recent ruling the Commonwealth Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)is now considering CRC’s with more than 16 patient capacity (at one time) as an Institute for Mental Health Diseases. (aka a mental hospital) which does not qualify for support under MEDICAID.
Since the PWC CRC is set to open in the summer of 2025 with a total capacity of 32 (16 adult and 16 youth), individuals using this facility would not be covered under MEDICAID and must either have private insurance or pay directly for this type of support. The only other alternative would be for PWC tax dollars to pay for the retreatment of these clients. The annual cost to the county is estimated at $8M annually.
THE SOLUTION: Prince William County has submitted a request to VA Department of Medical Assistance (DMAS)Services (1115 Waiver) which would exempt CRC’s for this capacity size restriction.
Additionally, the county has asked the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) (the Federal Agency who administers MEDICAID) to intervene and provide guidance to DMAS which exempts CRC’s from this capacity restriction and thus allow MEDICAID funding to cover their operating costs as well as submitting a request to the Commonwealth for action to correct this problem in its 2025 Legislative Package.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
The DMAS 1115 Serious Mental Illness Demonstration Waiver Amendment Application has been submitted and is posted for public comment until December 11, 2024. You can provide your support for this waiver by contacting the DMAS Behavioral Health Division Director by letter or via the Town Hall public comment form at:
https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/Forums.cfm.
(scroll down to Board of Medical Assistance Services – Item #1)
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 about one of our recent (Dec 2022) joint efforts.
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. Learn more.
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? Contact us!
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. Learn more.
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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