“Homelessness is a solvable problem. It can be done, and this community has proven it.”
Working together on the effort was Veterans Affairs, St. Joseph’s Villa, Commonwealth Catholic Charities, Virginia Supportive Housing, Serenity, Push Faith Shelter, The James House and the District 19 Community Services Board.
Officials stressed the importance of a data-driven, individualized approach to meeting the needs of the clients they are working with. Improved collaboration among partner organizations also contributed to meeting the “functional zero” standard set by Community Solutions, a New York-based nonprofit that works with 80 cities and counties around the country to combat homelessness. Communities that join its “Built for Zero” initiative receive coaching and support in pursuit of their goal to end homelessness for a targeted population.
