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Virginia Beach is Committed to Ending Homelessness
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Homelessness is a difficult and complex issue. One that, for the City of Virginia Beach, doesn't define a group of people, but instead describes the situation they're facing.
Learn more about the city's efforts to help the homeless and those at-risk.
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October is Housing America Month | |
Housing America Month is part of a yearlong effort led by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) to raise awareness about the need to meet the country's affordable housing and community development challenges.
In Virginia Beach, nearly 37 percent of total households are considered cost-burdened, meaning they pay more than 30 percent of their income on housing. During the 2012 Point-in-Time Count, 91 adults were unsheltered and an additional 349 were counted, but had temporary or emergency shelter.
Housing & Neighborhood Preservation continually strives to expand affordable housing opportunities in the city through our Workforce Housing Program and by providing affordable rental housing assistance through a variety of programs. We also partner with non-profits and neighboring cities to increase the number of affordable housing options in the city for families and individuals experiencing homelessness and those at-risk.
Learn more about our recent efforts to address the city's affordable housing and community development challenges:
2011 Year-in-Review |
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Foundation to Fund Study of Homeless Services System in Virginia Beach | |
 The Hampton Roads Community Foundation has approved funding for a study of the homeless services system in Virginia Beach, including regional components and connections of that system.
"The foundation approached the city with the idea of conducting and funding this study," said Andrew M. Friedman, director of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation. "At the same time, the city was considering doing its own study to ensure that the many parts of the system are working effectively together, and especially to achieve compliance with new federal requirements. We are grateful for the foundation's contribution to the city and look forward to working together on learning how we can better serve the homeless population and those at risk."
The Hampton Roads Community Foundation and the city will jointly select a consultant to perform the study and will appoint an advisory committee of key stakeholders to guide the conduct of the study. The study is expected to begin this fall and be completed by late winter. Opportunities for public and stakeholder input will be available during the process.
The Hampton Roads Community Foundation is the largest grant and scholarship provider in southeastern Virginia. As a public charity, it has more than $240 million in assets and is the oldest community foundation in Virginia. During the past six decades, the foundation has awarded more than $164 million in grants and scholarships.
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Team Connects Hoarders and their Families to Support Services |
Hoarding, the extreme collection and storage of items in the home and/or on the property, is a serious and potentially dangerous issue for the household and community. Often, narrow pathways in the home is bordered by combustible materials like newspapers, plastic bags, trash and clothing. Doors and windows may be blocked and sometimes there may be an insect or rat infestation. Animal hoarding is also a serious problem that in many cases poses a health threat to both the resident and animals involved.
If you think someone you know might be a hoarder, try and assist them in getting professional help or guidance. There may be an underlying mental illness or condition causing their hoarding behavior that could need evaluation. There are resources available to help.
The city's Hoarding Support Services Team can connect individuals and families to support services to prevent or resolve hoarding behaviors that present a risk to the resident or the community. The team is a collaboration between Housing & Neighborhood Preservation's Code Enforcement Division; the Departments of Fire, Police, Emergency Medical Services, Animal Control, Human Services and Public Health; and other community organizations. Together the team helps to raise awareness of the dangers of hoarding and also addresses hoarding complaints from citizens.
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Affordable Home Repair Loans Available for Energy Efficiency Improvements |
 Fall has just begun, but that means Old Man Winter isn't too far away, just waiting to bring much cooler temperatures with him over the next few months. Take time this fall to start preparing your home for the colder weather by implementing a few energy efficient improvements.
Energy efficiency is the key to not only reducing electricity and gas usage, but also saving money. Examples of energy efficiency improvements for the winter season include:
- Installing energy efficient windows, which incorporate Low-E glass coatings with argon gas between each glass layer and composite framing materials, to keep the temperature in your home consistent
- Insulating walls and attics to help reduce the amount of energy needed to heat your home
- Sealing openings, such as doorways, windows and garage doors, leaky air ducts and vents to prevent drafts that increase energy use
Housing & Neighborhood Preservation offers affordable home repair loans for energy efficiency improvements, such as window replacements, insulation upgrades, HVAC system replacements and water conservation upgrades, through its Home Rehabilitation Program. The program provides eligible Virginia Beach homeowners with a 20-year one percent interest deferred loan (one percent annual percentage rate). The program does not allow for remodeling and is provided one time only.
Program participants must own and live in the home and cannot own additional property. Additional eligibility requirements apply and assistance is based on availability of funding. Contact Olin Walden at (757) 385-5760 to see if you qualify or visit www.vbgov.com/housing for more information.
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