McDonnell: Homelessness down in Virginia

Good news and better news today from Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell (R) who announced that homelessless is down 17 percent in the Commonwealth, not just among the general population but also among military veterans.

The Governor has made reducing homelessness a goal in his administration, and noted:

“Preventing and ending homelessness is a significant component of our ongoing efforts to build a healthy and prosperous Commonwealth, and I am pleased that such positive progress has been made in reducing homelessness in Virginia.

"A focus on this important effort, and shifting some resources from shelters to rapid re-housing, has led to more Virginians living in safe, stable homes. More Virginians today have a place to call home, and that is great news for them and for our entire Commonwealth. However, despite this tremendous progress, we still have much work to do, and that’s why our efforts to further reduce homelessness across Virginia will only increase moving forward. Our work will not be done until all Virginians have a home.”

The Governor's Monday press release:

Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that overall homelessness in the Commonwealth has declined 16 percent from 2010 to 2013 with a 17 percent decrease in family homelessness in the same period.  Of special note is the decrease in homeless veterans, where between 2012 and 2013 there was an 18 percent reduction in the number of veterans experiencing homelessness. The new numbers originate from annual point in time data collected by local Continuum of Care groups across Virginia in January each year and compiled by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

Early in his administration, Governor McDonnell issued Executive Order 10 creating a housing policy framework, including policies to more effectively address the issue of homelessness. The resulting Homeless Outcomes Advisory Committee Report and Recommendations set the goal of reducing overall homelessness by 15 percent by 2013. The successful reduction of homelessness can be largely attributed to the shift in focusing resources to rapid re-housing, moving people into permanent housing more quickly while providing appropriate services through community resources.

Senior Economic Advisor Bob Sledd and Dr. Bill Hazel, Secretary of Health and Human Resources, spearheaded the Homeless Outcomes Advisory Committee, which identified five primary goals to reach the targeted reduction in homelessness.  The collaborative efforts of many at the state and local levels and working through private and public agencies and organizations, including the National Alliance to End Homelessness, have provided the structure for this successful effort. 

The reductions in homelessness have resulted from shifting some state resources from traditional shelter services to rapid re-housing. Additional resources were provided in the FY2013 budget for rapid re-housing and permanent supportive housing with continued support in the FY 2014 budget.

AT Warrior Hikers coming to Waynesboro Sunday

This Sunday at 5:00 at the VFW Post 2424 in Waynesboro, meet the Appalachian Trail Warrior Hikers as they make their way north on their thru-hike.

The Warrior Hikers are our military veterans:

In 1948 Earl Shaffer told a friend he was going to “walk off the war” to work out the sights, sounds, and losses of World War II. Four months later, Earl Shaffer became the first person to hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.

Recognizing the physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits of hiking the Appalachian Trail, Warrior Hike has partnered with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to create the Walk Off The War Program. The Walk Off The War Program is designed to support combat veterans transitioning from military service by thru hiking the Appalachian Trail.

I was alerted to the Warrior Hike by a reader of my SWAC Girl blog who writes a blog covering the Appalachian Trail from Rockfish Gap to Reeds Gap -- Rockfish to Reeds. She follows many of the hikers on the trail and has watched the Warrior Hikers since their March departure in Georgia. Merlot describes her blogs as, "Rockfish Gap to Reeds Gap ..... that little piece of  'AT heaven' we all love so much. This is a blog for the dedicated volunteers who maintain the 19.1 miles of white-blazed AT and some blue-blazed side trails as well."

So a tip of the hat to her for her interest in the AT, and for the heads-up about the Warrior Hikers. Sunday offers an opportunity to thank these military veterans who put their lives on hold and on the line to preserve our freedoms. I'll update with more info as I find it but it's this Sunday, June 16, at 5:00 at the VFW in Waynesboro.