News Room

News Release

	Contact:
April 21, 2008	Lizz Gunnufsen Public Communications Coordinator 382-6241 (Work)
	-- or --
For immediate release	Dr. Jeff Shelton Project Homeless Connect (757) 819-6118 (Work)

One-day, one-stop shop planned for Family Project Homeless Connect Day in Chesapeake

CHESAPEAKE-– On April 24, 2008, the City of Chesapeake will be hosting its first Family Project Homeless Connect Day at the Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Community Center, 2019 Windy Road, Chesapeake VA 23324, from 1:00- 6:00 p.m.  This one-day, one-stop shop event is designed to help homeless families connect with resources needed to help move toward self sufficiency.

This event is free and is sponsored by the Chesapeake Coalition for the Homeless and supported by a variety of other agencies.  The purpose of this event is to embrace Chesapeake’s less fortunate homeless families and provide them with opportunities for medical and dental services, employment assistance, and a variety of other services that we usually take for granted.  Giveaways of basic provisions will include items such as coats, blankets, and personal hygiene items.

Throughout the day, hot meals, snacks, day care and free transportation to the site will be provided.

Pick-up sites include:

• United Labor Agency - 1101 Poindexter Street, Chesapeake, VA 23324
• South Norfolk Baptist Church - 1101 Chesapeake Avenue, Chesapeake, VA 23324
• Our House - 405 D Street, Chesapeake, VA 23324
• Greenbrier Church - 1101 Volvo Parkway, Chesapeake, VA 23320
• The Salvation Army Thrift Store, 1935 S. Military Highway, Chesapeake, VA 23320
• Savannah Suites- 1409 Tintern Street, Chesapeake, VA 23320

Project Homeless Connect has evolved from the Chesapeake Coalition for the Homeless Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness, which calls for efforts by the entire community, including government, faith-based, private and nonprofit organizations, and local businesses, to partner and find solutions to end homelessness.

Chesapeake Homeless Street Counts

In 2007, homeless persons counted totaled 129 during the 24-hour count period from January 24 to January 25, 2007.  That number included 52 persons in families with children and 77 single adults.  Of the 129 persons who were homeless that day, 43 (33%) were unsheltered.   Survey results were also compiled from hotel/motel owners which indicate that 174 persons (90 adults and 84 children) were considered homeless.  Of those 174 persons, 38 families were counted and 71 children attend the City’s public school system.  Although this information is useful, it could not be included in the 2007 Point In Time Count, according to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Standards & Methods for Point-in-Time Counts.

Statistics compiled from the City’s only emergency shelter, Our House Families, indicated that during FY 2007, 529 families were turned away.  This group consisted of 1,459 total persons; 625 of these were adults and 834 were children.  Of the 529 families turned away, 188 were Chesapeake residents.

To request more information about the event, contact Ms. Jean Taylor, Office Coordinator, City of Chesapeake - Office of Housing   at 382-6925 or visit www.cityofchesapeake.net for more information.