Gov. Northam announces $2.2 million to combat homelessness

Legislators and non-profits focused on solving the state’s housing problem got a boost today from Gov. Ralph Northam, who announced $2.2 million in funding to assist 30 permanent supportive housing and rapid re-housing projects across Virginia.

The Homelessness Reduction Grants are part of an initiative to reduce homelessness around the Commonwealth and are the result of the Governor and General Assembly agreeing to increase the Virginia Housing Trust Fund by an additional $1.1 million.

“Virginia is focused on targeting our funds toward systematic strategies that have been proven successful in reducing homelessness, like rapid re-housing and permanent supportive housing,” said Gov. Northam.

According to the Governor’s office, overall homelessness in Virginia has decreased by 34% since 2010, with homelessness among families decreasing 44% over that time period.

Veteran homelessness has also plummeted by 48% since 2011 and Northam touted Virginia’s success in functionally ending veteran homelessness in 2015.

More details on the funding, recipients of the grants, and the VHTF program can be found here.