New housing plan to fight homelessness

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Norfolk is participating in a state and federal initiative to increase the provision of rapid re-housing for homeless children and their families.

The City of Norfolk is participating with this initiative through the Office to End Homelessness. This plan is aimed at meeting Governor Bob McDonnell's goal of reducing homelessness by 15 percent in the Commonwealth.

"Rapid re-housing is a strategy that has been successfully used by many communities to reduce rates of homelessness," stated Nan Roman, President and CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

The rapid re-housing initiative will specifically focus on identifying and implementing solutions to move children and their families out of emergency shelters and into their own homes.

Sarah Paige Fuller, Director of the City of Norfolk Office to End Homelessness, said, "[Rapid re-housing] is only one part of the solution, and as a community, we will need to work together to find the financial resources needed to fund the rapid re-housing activities. Many public entities and service providers are facing budget shortfalls - and our families are struggling as well - unfortunately resulting in homelessness."

Homelessness among Virginia's children and their families was decreasing until 2008 when the financial downturn struck.

"There is no better time than now to prioritize ending homelessness for children and their families," stated Phyllis Chamberlain, Executive Director of the Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness. "We know that homeless children are four times more likely to experience delayed development, twice as likely to have learning disabilities, and three times as likely to experience emotional and behavioral problems, and have higher rates of anxiety, depression, and withdrawal. The time is now to ensure that Virginia's children have the opportunity for bright futures through stable housing."

Public forums are being held throughout the Commonwealth for business, non-profit, public sector and faith-based organizations. Norfolk's forum is Dec. 6 from 2 - 4 p.m. at Pretlow Library, 111 W. Ocean View Avenue.