National Media Company Unveils Support for Norfolk’s Homeless Program

Norfolk, VA – December 12, 2007 – Mayor Paul Fraim announced today that the Landmark Communications Foundation has approved grants totaling $318,000 to finance projects that are critical to the success of the plan to end homelessness in the city within 10 years.

Landmark Communications, headquartered in Norfolk, is a diverse group of newspapers, television stations, cable television and electronic publishing. The foundation was established in 1953 to improve the lives of the people in the communities that the company serves. The foundation’s primary focus is on educational programs and human service initiatives.

The grants include:

• $140,000 – ForKids to finance the acquisition and renovation of an apartment complex unit on 38th Street to house homeless families.

• $100,000 – New Hope Church of God in Christ to purchase a building that will be used as a transitional shelter for homeless men and women.

• $78,000 – My Own Place to furnish 26 units to provide housing for mentally ill homeless men and women – the most visible and vulnerable of the homeless.

Mayor Fraim said the foundation’s decision to award the grants reflects Landmark’s long-standing commitment to improve the quality of life for all people.

“The commitment to invest in the lives of our citizens is one of the cornerstones of Landmark Communications,’’ Mayor Fraim said. “The foundation grants will strengthen the city’s efforts to help those who are less fortunate”

The decision by the Landmark Communications Foundation represents the first business organization in Hampton Roads to support Mayor Fraim’s call to end homelessness.

Fraim said he’s confident that the support of the Landmark Communications Foundation will be the catalyst for other businesses to participate in the homeless initiative.

“Landmark Communications is one of our finest, most respected corporate citizens,” said Mayor Fraim. “I hope other companies will follow Landmark’s example and make a commitment to help those who cannot help themselves.”