Norfolk, Va.- It is estimated that on any given night, almost 50,000 veterans are homeless. The city of Norfolk has decided to take action and create solutions for this massive problem.
Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim made history in September 2014 by being the first mayor in Virginia to sign the National Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness. The challenge was announced by First Lady Michelle Obama and aims to end veteran homelessness in cities by 2015.
On November 11, 2015, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) confirmed that the City of Norfolk met their goal.
Currently, any veteran who is connected with the initiative can find housing and other assistance 50 days later on average.
The city of Norfolk has been working with community partners such as the NRHA, STOP, ForKids, Inc., The Planning Council, Virginia Beach Community Development Corp. (VBCDC) the Veterans Administration and Virginia Supportive Housing since September of 2013. They were the first city in Hampton Roads to do so.
The local housing and homeless service providers help to identify homeless veterans, track their progress, accelerate support and make sure no veteran is left on the streets. As of today, 297 veterans have a home or are in the process of getting a home.
Mayor Fraim said, “Veteran homelessness is a social problem that can be solved. The region came together and focused its resources to create solutions. Our efforts will continue, to ensure those who protected our freedom have a path back home.”
For more information, visit the website here.
