Bozman Award Focuses on Keeping People in Homes During Pandemic

Now is not the time to relent, pause, or lessen our commitment.”
— Andrew Schneider

“Now is not the time to relent, pause, or lessen our commitment,” Andrew Schneider said as he accepted the Ellen M. Bozman Award for Affordable Housing on behalf of Arlington Thrive in a virtual ceremony November 15.

The 45-year-old organization has played a vital role in helping Arlingtonians weather the economic devastation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic this year. In partnership with Arlington County and 30 local safety net organizations, Arlington Thrive has distributed $6 million to help prevent eviction for thousands of families.

“Our fundamental vision remains,” Schneider said. “To be there for our neighbors in some of the scariest and most challenging moments of their lives with direct financial assistance to ensure an Arlington community where all have homes, all are financially stable, and thrive.”

The Church at Work also received the annual award, which honors the late Ellen Bozman for her dedication to affordable housing on the County board and as a founder of the Alliance for Housing Solutions.

Arlington Public Schools social worker Phyllis Thompson spearheaded the short-term rental assistance program last spring. It began when schools closed and she began calling the parents of students in her special education class. The first person she spoke with was a single mother who had just been laid off and didn’t know how she would make ends meet and care for her daughter.

“I realized the church has got to show up right now,” Phyllis said. With a sense of urgency, she and Rev. David Hanke of Restoration Anglican Church asked members of more than a dozen local churches to pledge $1,000 to help their neighbors—with no tax benefits. In two months, the group had raised $300,000 in rental supplements that went directly to landlords to keep APS families in their homes.

Families were surprised and relieved to receive that kind of care from people they didn’t know.”
— Phyllis Thompson

“Almost 300 families were surprised and relieved to receive that kind of care from people they didn’t know,” Thompson said. “We knew this would be a short-term project, but we wanted to meet a need right then, to be that voice of encouragement to know the church was there and the church cared for them.”

Renee Gutshall received a custom bird feeder engraved with the Arlington for Everyone logo and the words “In loving memory of Erik Gutshall. “ Photo by Alice Hogan

Renee Gutshall received a custom bird feeder engraved with the Arlington for Everyone logo and the words “In loving memory of Erik Gutshall. “ Photo by Alice Hogan

In addition to presenting the Bozman Awards, the Alliance for Housing Solutions honored the late Erik Gutshall for his dedication to solving the challenge of housing affordability. Erik served on the Arlington County Board from 2017 to 2020. He passed away from brain cancer on April 16, 2020. For Erik, “Arlington for Everyone” was a central principle of policy and action, a measure of success, and the driving inspiration for the way ahead. His wife, Renee, accepted the Legacy Award on his behalf.

Arlington Thrive also honored Gutshall with the announcement of a new position at the organization. Schneider said the Gutshall Fellow will work to identify barriers to housing stability through research and collaboration.

“We hope to reduce evictions in Arlington, and to work toward a more just and equitable community where anyone can thrive regardless of the color of their skin or where they were born.”


Notes From the Zoom Chat

“Congratulations Arlington Thrive and all your faith partners. You are making such a positive difference.” —Barbara Favola Virginia State Senator 

“Congrats to Andrew and all of Arlington Thrive! You have stepped up a in huge way this year and it’s made such a difference for so many! Thank you.” —Jennifer Endo Vice President Community Relations, AHC Inc. 

“Congratulations and thank you to the congregations who stepped forward this year to serve those most in need. Nothing we have done this year on the County Board is more important than our work with Arlington Thrive to help our neighbors in need stay in their homes in this difficult year.” —Matt de Ferranti Arlington County Board Member 

“Thrive is always important, but you have been a crucial partner with us to keep people in homes during the pandemic.  Thank you!!” —Libby Garvey Arlington County Board Chair 

“Congratulations to all of the awardees and thank you for sharing such moving testimonies. Thank you, Michelle, and all at AHS for a most memorable event, honoring such impactful people and organizations!!” —Ayan Addou Strategic Housing Officer, NoVA at Virginia Housing 

“Thank you, AHS, for always being our true north! Your work inspires us to do our best!” —Scott Friedrich Arlington Thrive Board President