History of Guest House

Founded more than thirty years ago by Betty McConkey, a federal parolee, Guest House provides a place to live and a supportive environment for female ex-offenders. Since then, more than 800 women have participated in the program. Our Board of Directors and professional, dedicated staff are committed to making a difference in the lives of women. 

In 1981, the house at One East Luray Avenue was purchased with the help of the City of Alexandria and the Old Presbyterian Meeting House. Guest House completed a dramatic renovation in 2004, made possible through $300,000 in donated labor, materials, furnishings and design services.

Guest House offers assistance to women who sincerely want to improve their lives when released from confinement and seek to break the cycle of incarceration. Our services are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, physical or mental disability or sexual orientation.

Purpose of Guest House

Friends of Guest House was founded to provide a temporary house for women charged with or convicted of a criminal offense who are in the need of basic human services to facilitate their new start in life and adjustments to the community at large. 

The program at Guest House is designed to empower the women by providing the tools necessary to achieve self-sufficiency, including, housing, food, individual and group counseling, as well as assistance with employment, medical, legal and social services.

Guest House offers its services to women who sincerely desire assistance when released from confinement and to women who seek an alternative to incarceration. These services are provided without discrimination as to race, religion, color, age, national origin, marital status, or disability.