MANASSAS, Va. – Effective immediately the House of Mercy is providing free food to federal employees and contract workers affected by the government shutdown that took effect Oct. 1.
The nonprofit humanitarian organization’s offer also extends to all employees affected by recent sequestration, said House of Mercy Assistant Director Ann Cimini. The only proof required to receive free food is an employee identification, she said.
Cimini said her agency wants to lessen the blow of “the recent actions of the federal government, which are impacting hundreds of local employees, especially those who are paid the least amounts.”
Relying on donations, the House of Mercy, which is located at 8170 Flannery Court in Manassas, provides free food and clothing to those in need in the local community. The faith-based organization also has a number of programs and initiatives designed to relieve hunger and to improve the quality of life of local residents and those abroad, Cimini said.
One includes SHARE (Self Help And Resource Exchange), a nonprofit food network that House of Mercy joined this year to offer quality, nutritious food at low cost to local families.
Cimini said that House of Mercy is also a network partner with Capital Area Food Bank™ (CAFB), which acquires and distributes food to those in need in the Washington, D.C., area. CAFB is a member of Feeding America®, a national network of 200 food banks.
According to Feeding America, 51 percent of food-insecure families in Prince William County earn too much to qualify for typical government-funded food assistance, Cimini said. “These people rely upon private nonprofit agencies such as House of Mercy to provide nutritious food to their families,” she stated.
For more information about House of Mercy and how furloughed workers can obtain free food, call 703-659-1636 or email [email protected].
Recent Stories
This week, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman of the Prince William County School Board, and Jennifer Wall, Gainesville District Representative, for an engaging discussion on the state of education in Prince William County on the next Potomac Local News Podcast.
Rania Lateef, a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park, daughter of Prince William School Board Chairman Babur Lateef, has been named one of 40 finalists in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). Selected from nearly 2,500 applicants nationwide, Rania is recognized for her groundbreaking research on the effects of artificial light and circadian disruption on biobehavioral systems in Drosophila melanogaster. Her work highlights the impact of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances on physical and mental health.
Rania credited her success to the supportive academic community of Prince William County Public Schools, her teachers Stephanie Brown and Dr. Alexis Patanarut, and her unique opportunities at GS@IP. As a finalist, she has already won $27,000 and will compete for additional awards totaling over $1.8 million during a week-long event in Washington, D.C., in March 2025. Rania’s journey emphasizes the power of passion and commitment in achieving meaningful scientific discoveries.
The Woodbridge District invites residents to join a Community Update Town Hall Meeting hosted by Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin. This virtual event offers an opportunity for residents to stay informed about the latest developments and initiatives in the community.
Details of the Town Hall:
Date: January 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
Residents can participate in the meeting by joining the Zoom session.
On January 24, 2025, at 12:25 a.m., Sergeant E.E. West responded to a single-vehicle crash at the McDonald’s on Wonder Road. An intoxicated driver, identified as Juan Gomez Alvarez, 38, of North Carolina, entered the drive-thru at a high rate of speed, struck a sign, and came to rest at an awkward angle, blocking the lane.
Gomez Alvarez displayed red, glassy eyes and had a strong odor of alcohol. The investigation revealed that he had been convicted of DUI in New York just the previous day, making this his second offense in five years. He was charged with DUI second offense, refusal, and destruction of property and was taken to Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
