A common topic in conversations about Charlottesville civic affairs is whether more people are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity than in the past. If you want more information to participate in those talks, you’ll want to watch City Council’s work session at 4 p.m. on Monday.
Last September, City Manager Sam Sanders dropped the enforcement of closing time in Market Street Park to allow people to stay overnight in tents. Two weeks later, he addressed critics of the decision.
“I understand that we have never had a comprehensive plan for addressing homelessness,” Sanders told the City Council on October 2. “I now commit to seeing that one gets built.” (read the story)
While that plan is still under development, Sanders has invited representatives of various groups associated with the issue to present to Council.
“The Charlottesville Department of Human Services will also lead off the presentation and discuss their work through the Pathways fund process, providing emergency hotel access and other key programs,” reads the staff report.
The five programs who will make a presentation are:
- Blue Ridge Area Coalition for the Homeless – the lead agency for the “Continuum of Care” program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- The Haven was created as a BRACH program and became independent in 2015. The Haven provides a day shelter year-round and various housing services.
- The Salvation Army has 58 shelter beds and partners with PACEM to provide additional space in the winter months. They are expanding their shelter on Ridge Street to add more capacity and also work with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank to operate a food pantry.
- Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE) provides support for people who are in domestic violence situations including a safe place to stay.
- The Region 10 Community Services Board helps administer the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) program which among other programs can pay toward someone’s security deposit for a new rental or emergency assistance.
There is no written report in advance.
Before you go: The time to write and research of this article is covered by paid subscribers to Charlottesville Community Engagement. In fact, this particular installment is from the June 17, 2024 Week Ahead edition of the newsletter.
