GSA's transitional home for women (Photos by Erica Garman)

A transitional home for single women was dedicated today by the Good Shepherd Alliance, a local faith-based organization that addresses homelessness in the county.

Tucked off of a gravel road north of Leesburg, the home was renovated with the generosity of many Loudoun volunteers and business owners who gave their time, talents and even kitchen appliances and home furnishings!

"This home is for women who go through our program and need more time to save money, get settled in a job and move toward self-sufficiency," said GSA Executive Director Vickie Koth.

Through GSA's program, the home can house up to four women at any given time who may stay at the facility for up to one year, Koth said.

At the dedication, GSA's board advisor Judy Hines, who is also president of Friends of Loudoun Mental Health, shared some bleak numbers on the state of homelessness in Loudoun.

The home's kitchen was made possible with donations from local businesses and private individuals.

In 2008, she said, GSA served 133 individuals - including families, women and children - in emergency and/or transitional housing. Of the 133 guests, Hines said, 72 were children.

Hines added that 904 people sought housing last year from GSA but were turned away due to lack of space.

GSA's emergency homeless program currently offers short-term shelter to families, women and children who temporary find themselves without a place to live. According to GSA's Web site, the organization provides shelter to about 32 people a day.