Overall Rate of Homelessness in Virginia Declines; Corrected Data Available

RICHMOND, VA – January 17, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — Virginia experienced a 7.2 percent decrease in homelessness from 2010 to 2012 according to data collected by communities. The number of persons in families with children experiencing homelessness declined by nearly 11 percent and the number of individuals experiencing homelessness declined by nearly 5 percent. However, the number of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness – individuals living with mental illness, co-occurring disorders, and chronic health conditions – increased slightly by 1 percent.

In addition, national data is available and progress across the nation can be compared to progress in Virginia.

Data that had been previously reported by VCEH contained an error in the number of people experiencing chronic homelessness. It was previously reported to various outlets including the Governor’s office that chronic homelessness had declined by 36 percent between 2010 and 2012, however, chronic homelessness increased by 1 percent during this time period. In addition, the data previously released was preliminary. The data reported here is the official estimate of rates of homelessness in the Commonwealth as reported by communities to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The data collection method called the Point-in-Time Count is an annual census, taken during a specific 24-hour period, of people living on the streets and in other homeless situations, including emergency shelter, and transitional housing. The Point-in-Time Count collects data on the number of people and households experiencing homelessness in a community, and surveys a sample of people to collect more in-depth information about them. Every Continuum of Care – a community collaborative of agencies that coordinates on efforts to combat homelessness in the community – is required by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to complete a point-in-time count.

“Ultimately our goal is to decrease the rates of homelessness until almost no one experiences the trauma and tragedy that is homelessness. People who are in this traumatic and tragic situation include very young children who must live in a car or in an emergency shelter while attempting to study and do well in school. It includes veterans who have sacrificed for this country and return from wars without a place to call home. And it includes people with disabilities who, due to their disability, have a more difficult time maintaining a home of their own. We will not rest until we find a home for every man, woman, and child who experiences homelessness,” stated Phyllis Chamberlain, Executive Director of the Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness.

The Commonwealth has increased its focus on the issue of homelessness during the McDonnell Administration. Gov. Bob McDonnell issued Executive Order 10 calling for the creation of a housing policy framework with a focus on reducing homelessness. To meet this goal, the state developed a plan to reduce homelessness by 15 percent and formed a Coordinating Council on Homelessness to oversee implementation of the state plan.

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The Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness is a statewide organization dedicated to the prevention and end of homelessness in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

For more information on the Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness, visit: www.vceh.org

For more information on the state plan to reduce homelessness and the state housing policy framework, visit: www.virginiahousingpolicy.com

For a link to the plan to reduce homelessness, visit this link here.