OUR SERVICES

Emergency Financial Assistance

Herndon-Reston FISH has assisted local residents in short-term crises since 1969. FISH provides Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help by responding to emergency requests for rent, utilities, medical prescriptions, and other critical needs to stop destabilizing events.

Approximately 75% of FISH clients have incomes below the federal poverty level. They often work low-paying jobs and live paycheck to paycheck. FISH helps those neighbors when they are in crisis. We work closely with social workers from Fairfax County, local schools, hospitals, and other nonprofit organizations.

During fiscal year 2025, FISH's traditional assistance program provided assistance for 708 cases for a total of nearly $500,000 in payments. More than 75% of funds go to assist with rent.

Financial details are included in the 2024-25 Annual Report here.

For information about how to get assistance, click here.

The FISH Emergency Assistance Program accepts referrals from our partners at Fairfax County on all week days except holidays. If you need emergency financial assistance and are a resident of Herndon or Reston, please call 703 222-0880 to begin the process or click here. County social workers will communicate your needs to FISH.

The Bargain Loft

The Bargain Loft is a thrift store operated by Herndon-Reston FISH. Serving local residents since 1981, it is staffed by volunteers and offers affordable shopping. The Bargain Loft accepts donations of good quality, saleable items. We provide donors with receipts for tax purposes. For a list of the items we accept and sell, click HERE.

Financial Literacy Training

Herndon-Reston FISH has suspended the financial literacy classes that we previously offered to help clients who need assistance in basic budgeting and financial management. In their place, we encourage use of on-line training.

We recommend the Money Smart curriculum, which covers basic financial topics

Another on-line class that you may find helpful is Ally Wallet Wise.