Nonprofit Archives - Potomac Local News

House of Mercy lost 75 pallet spaces of storage. It has raised about $100,000 of the $350,000 it says it needs to fix it.

Published October 7, 2026 at 9:40AM

House of Mercy has about $75,000 in cash and another $25,000 in pledges toward the $350,000 it says it needs to lease two adjacent bays and reopen thrift-store floor space near Gainesville, Executive Director Jessica Root said Monday.

The nonprofit closed roughly one-third of its thrift-store sales floor to customers after losing about 75 pallet spaces of storage. That section remains closed and is likely to stay closed through the end of the year, Root said. In the first month after the closure, furniture revenue fell about 44 percent, and household-goods revenue fell about 18 percent.

Prince William

Supervisors Recognize ACTS During Sexual Assault Awareness Month

By Potomac Local News

Published April 9, 2026 at 11:00AM

Photo: Potomac Local News file — Board proclamation photo.

The Prince William County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation on April 7, 2026, recognizing ACTS (Action in Community Through Service) during the early portion of its regular meeting, alongside other community recognitions.

The proclamation honored ACTS for its longstanding contributions to residents facing crisis, including support for survivors of sexual assault, as part of the board’s observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Groups Get Grants to Fight Homelessness

By Potomac Local News

Published March 15, 2026 at 2:27PM

Micah organizes the "Coldest Night of the Year" in Fredericksburg, to raise awareness for homelessness. (Photo | Micah)

Three organizations in the Fredericksburg area have received grants to help reduce homelessness and boost housing stability.

The funding comes from the Virginia Housing Trust Fund Homeless Reduction Grant program. Governor Abigail Spanberger, Democrat, announced the statewide allocation of $14 million for 61 projects on March 11, 2026. The grants support permanent supportive housing, rapid re-housing, and innovative programs for vulnerable groups.

Fredericksburg

Congress Funds Local Shelter, Housing Projects

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 10, 2026 at 9:00AM

Two major housing and human services projects in Prince William County and Fredericksburg are moving forward after receiving millions in federal funding through the Fiscal Year 2026 federal appropriations process.

Key Takeaways

Features

Inside Stafford’s SERVE Food Pantry

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published January 29, 2026 at 10:02AM

Food insecurity in Stafford County often looks less like a crisis and more like daily survival.

Many of the people seeking help at SERVE Stafford Food Pantry are working, housed, and doing their best to keep up as costs rise faster than paychecks. SERVE stands for Stafford Emergency Relief through Volunteer Efforts.

Fredericksburg

Knights of Columbus mark 50 years of Religious Freedom Day in Fredericksburg

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 12, 2026 at 11:00AM | Updated January 12, 2026 at 1:47PM

The Knights of Columbus![Submitted Photo].

“The annual observance brought together community members, Knights, and local leaders to reflect on the importance of religious liberty and the freedoms protected under the First Amendment,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “This year’s event marked the 50th annual Religious Freedom Day celebration in Fredericksburg.”

Be a Local in the Know. Get All the News & Fewer Ads. Since 2010, Potomac Local News has produced honest, trusted local news reporting. Please become a member today for 100% access, and support community journalism.

Stafford

Stafford High FBLA students raise funds to sponsor litter of rescue puppies

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published December 22, 2025 at 11:00AM

Stafford High School’s (SHS) Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students raised nearly $450 that will go toward sponsoring a litter of puppies at Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS). [Submitted Photo]

Students at Stafford High School raised nearly $450 to sponsor a litter of rescue puppies through the Old Dominion Humane Society. The school’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter led the fundraiser, which covers the $300 sponsorship fee and provides additional funds to support the nonprofit’s mission of rescuing dogs from neglect and mistreatment.

The students chose an Anime theme for the litter, naming the mother dog Maki and her seven pups Toji, Gojo, Todo, Yuta, Mahoraga, Sukuna and Yuji. The effort was organized by FBLA sponsor Maggie Bautista, an economics and personal finance teacher at the school, who said her students spent months planning, creating posters, and promoting the fundraiser through school announcements.

Features

House of Mercy Hosts Annual “Stuff the Truck” Toy Drive in Manassas on November 15

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 11, 2025 at 4:14PM

“Grow Your Own Vegetable Garden” free class will be at House of Mercy Tuesday November 17, 7-9pm. You must register for this class. Dinner will be served.

“Join us for the annual Stuff the Truck Toy Drive and help bring the magic of Christmas to life!” House of Mercy announced. “Your donation of a new, unwrapped toy makes a meaningful impact, ensuring a happy holiday for a child in need.”

The event supports the organization’s Christmas with Mercy program, which last year provided more than 6,000 new toys to over 1,300 local children. This year’s drive is a simple, drive-up, drop-off event taking place Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 8170 Flannery Court in Manassas.

Features

Empowerhouse marks 35th Annual Candlelight Vigil honoring domestic violence survivors

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 29, 2025 at 10:07PM

News Links

“We were honored to take part in this vital community event,” the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office stated. “Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office is one of only three law enforcement agencies in the area with an Empowerhouse Advocate co-located within their office.”

Empowerhouse hosted its 35th Annual Candlelight Vigil on October 25, 2025, to honor and celebrate survivors of domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The nonprofit provides free, confidential support services for survivors and their children, focusing on safety, healing, and empowerment. Empowerhouse’s 24-hour hotline is 540-373-9373.

Prince William

Manassas gets ready for MercyFest 2025

By Press Release

Published September 22, 2025 at 8:30PM

GAINESVILLE, Va. – MercyFest is almost here, and this is your last chance to get tickets at $15 online before prices go up. It’s happening Saturday, September 27, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at House of Mercy, 8170 Flannery Court, Manassas, and it’s shaping up to be a massive day of food, fun, and community.

MercyFest is the annual fundraiser put on by House of Mercy, a nonprofit that helps families across Northern Virginia with its food pantry, thrift store, and donation center. It serves over 100 families every day, and last year provided groceries, clothing, and other basics to thousands—impacting more than 50 zip codes in the region.