| 2010 Year in Review |
2010 was a busy year for Housing & Neighborhood Preservation. Below is just a snapshot of some of our accomplishments and activities during the year:
Promoting Vibrant, Well-Maintained Neighborhoods
- Cited 42,018 total code enforcement violations.
- Removed 132 instances of graffiti on private property.
- Addressed 17,178 cases of overgrown grass and accumulation of trash.
- Addressed 3,727 inoperable vehicle cases.
- Addressed 389 unsafe structures.
- Worked with the Hotel/Motel Task Force to inspect 121 hotels/motels throughout city (total of 1,142 rooms).
- Continued to offer free graffiti abatement services for residents through new partnership between Code Enforcement and the Sheriff's Office.
- Rehabilitated 26 homes to bring them into code compliance, improve accessibility or reduce future maintenance costs.
Expanding Housing Opportunities
- Re-certified or admitted more than 2,300 clients into the Housing Choice Voucher Program to allow them to obtain or maintain affordable rental housing.
- Helped prevent or end homelessness for 224 households using money from the Dragas Companies and federal stimulus funds.
- Helped raise more than $51,000 to benefit homeless and at-risk families and individuals in Virginia Beach through the "Jammin' for Our Homeless" fundraiser. The event was hosted by the BEACH Community Partnership, a group of citizens and faith, business, nonprofit and city organizations working together to address homelessness.
- Worked with neighboring cities to develop South Bay Apartments, a 60-unit complex that provides permanent housing for formerly homeless individuals.
- Provided down payment/closing cost assistance to help 12 citizens become first-time homebuyers with funding through the department.
- Provided housing counseling to hundreds of citizens in crisis housing situations.
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| Grand Opening of 3rd Regional Apartment Complex for Homeless Adults |
 On Feb. 2, South Bay Apartments will officially open its doors in Portsmouth, providing homes for 60 formerly homeless single adults from Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk and Portsmouth. Developed by Virginia Supportive Housing, the $6.9 million EarthCraft-certified complex provides permanent studio apartments and supportive services. Residents are connected to resources, training and employment opportunities. They are required to contribute 30 percent of their income toward rent. The four localities partnered together to fund South Bay, making it the third regionally-funded project of its kind in the nation. Gosnold Apartments in Norfolk and Cloverleaf Apartments in Virginia Beach were the first and second regional developments respectively. |
| Affordable Rental Housing Resources Available |
 Housing & Neighborhood Preservation can connect you to a variety of affordable rental housing resources. Visit our website to see a list of subsidized apartments, complexes that rent at or below the fair market rent, and housing for the elderly or disabled. For more information, click here or call 385-5750. |
| Hundreds Receive Assistance at Project Connect |
 More than 350 families and individuals received assistance during the Project Connect Day of Services on Thursday, Jan. 27, at the Virginia Beach United Methodist Church. The event connected the homeless and those in need to housing resources, health and social services, counseling, health screenings, food, supplies, haircuts, identification services and other assistance. About 400 backpacks filled with non-perishable food and other essential items were also distributed.  Each year the Virginia Beach Homeless Advocacy and Resource Partnership, a partnership of city agencies and non-profits, sponsors the event as part of its work to end homelessness. Members of Hope in the Upper Room, an organization of homeless persons and others who are working toward independence and giving back to the community, volunteered at the event. Other participants included the Departments of Human Services, Health, and Police; the Sheriff's Office, Rudy and Kelly, the Virginia Beach Lions Club, the Virginia Beach Medical Reserve Corps., the BEACH Community Partnership, local non-profits and social ministry organizations of several churches. |
| Are You Ready to Own a Home? Three Important Tips for Buying a Home |
 Buying a home is generally the biggest financial transaction most people will make in their lifetime. It requires you to have a considerable amount of cash on hand and the ability to borrow a large amount of money from a mortgage lender. So how do you know if you are ready to buy a home? Housing & Neighborhood Preservation has put together three important steps you can take to help prepare you for making this important investment:
- Know Your Credit: Your credit history plays a key role in obtaining a mortgage loan. Learn how to obtain your credit report.
- Start Saving Now: Learn about the costs associated with buying and owning a home and why it is never too early to start saving now.
- Learn the Process: An educated buyer makes for a successful homeowner. Find out where you can learn more about the home buying process.
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