"It's great having your own home. It's total freedom."
Due to his paranoia, Jeff was homeless for 4 years. He would stay in a shelter or find a
secluded spot to sleep, preferably a car. During the day Jeff would look for odd jobs to
earn some extra cash. After participating in the A Place To Start (APTS), Jeff is now
housed permanently in his own apartment.
Members of the Media:
For more information about homelessness and related issues, background information,
story ideas or commentary from experts, contact Heather Orrock by phone at 804-788-6825
ext. 1056 or by email at hsorrock@virginiasupportivehousing.org.
For Immediate Release
Virginia Supportive Housing Awarded Grant from State to Help Prevent and End Homelessness
Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program Funding AnnouncedRICHMOND, VA (September 10, 2009) - Virginia Supportive Housing (VSH) was awarded $848,473 in funding through the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) to expand its Housing Resource Center. Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced the grant Wednesday as part of more than $11 million in Federal stimulus money that will be dispersed to 23 organizations statewide.
"This money will allow VSH to expand the Housing Resource Center (HRC) program to areas that desperately need permanent housing assistance," said VSH Executive Director Alice Tousignant. "According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, homeless prevention assistance and rapid re-housing services cost less than placing people in shelter and/or transitional housing programs they may not need."
The HRC identifies clients' permanent housing barriers, develops a plan to address identified barriers, and links clients to affordable rental property in the community.
The HRC currently serves Richmond City and Chesterfield and Henrico Counties. The HPRP funds will increase the geographic service area to include the cities of Petersburg, Hopewell and Colonial Heights; Dinwiddie, Prince George, Charles City, New Kent, Hanover, Goochland and Powhatan Counties.
The majority of funds (73%) will provide financial assistance to households, as appropriate, to assist them with securing or maintaining permanent housing. Funds should be available by early October and are targeted to provide assistance to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness living in the expanded geographical service area.
"Virginia Supportive Housing has been a partner with DHCD in addressing critical homelessness and housing issues for many years," said DHCD Director Bill Shelton. "We are pleased to provide them with funding through the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing program so that they may expand their efforts to serve persons at risk of homelessness as a result of economic displacement."
The HPRP program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD has provided funding directly to 13 entitlement communities in Virginia, including Richmond, Chesterfield and Henrico. Non-entitlement communities could apply for funding through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
About Virginia Supportive Housing:
Founded in 1988, Virginia Supportive Housing (VSH) is a not-for-profit organization that transforms lives; communities and provides permanent solutions to homelessness. Headquartered in Richmond, VA, VSH provides permanent rental housing integrated with appropriate levels of support services to very low-income homeless individuals and families and those with disabilities. For additional information on VSH, please visit www.virginiasupportivehousing.org.For additional information on Virginia's HPRP grant awards, go to http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=1062.
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