Gov: Homeless rate down 8 percent

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The rate of homelessness in Virginia has declined by eight percent since 2010.

Gov. Bob McDonnell made the announcement Wednesday. He cited data compiled by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and the Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness.

McDonnell said the homeless rate for families declined 11 percent, and the number of people experiencing chronic homelessness fell by more than one-third.

The governor said the state has shifted some resources from traditional shelter services to rapid re-housing -- moving people into permanent housing more quickly while providing appropriate services through community resources.