WHEREAS, in September 2023, Christopher Fay retired as executive director of the nonprofit organization Homestretch after 17 years of stable leadership and diligent efforts to end homelessness and break the cycle of poverty in Falls Church; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Fay began his career working with homeless families in New York City, then relocated to Washington, D.C., where he joined the Milton S. Eisenhower Foundation; and

WHEREAS, four years later, Christopher Fay discovered Homestretch, which seeks to provide comprehensive services that address the root causes of homelessness and poverty, and became the organization's executive director; and

WHEREAS, under Christopher Fay's leadership, Homestretch gave numerous individuals and families the support they needed to make swift, transformational changes; the organization provides temporary housing and the tools and education for clients to achieve self-sufficiency; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Fay proudly created an environment that allows Homestretch to offer individualized services and create dynamic plans that best suit the specific needs of each client; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Fay's achievements have strengthened the community for generations to come; according to a study in 2023, more than 90 percent of Homestretch's graduating families never returned to homelessness and a majority of families sought further education and built skills to enhance their financial stability; and

WHEREAS, upon his well-earned retirement, Christopher Fay was named executive director emeritus, and he plans to continue seeking new opportunities to serve the Falls Church community while spending more time with his beloved family; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Christopher Fay on the occasion of his retirement from Homestretch; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Christopher Fay as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his personal and professional achievements.