Three organizations serving the Fredericksburg region have been awarded funding through the Virginia Housing Trust Fund Homeless Reduction Grant program, part of a statewide announcement by Gov. Abigail Spanberger allocating $14 million to support housing stability and reduce homelessness across the state.
Local organizations receiving funding were:
- $418,870 for a permanent supportive housing program
- $200,474 for a health innovation project
- $118,450 for a rapid re-housing program
- $188,696 for a youth innovation project
- $170,486 for the family rapid re-housing program
- $160,000 for an innovative domestic violence rapid re-housing program
These programs are a part of the Fredericksburg Regional Continuum of Care, the federally mandated planning group working to prevent and end homelessness within the Fredericksburg area. This network of community organizations is composed of nonprofits, local governments and other community partners who provide a coordinated response to those experiencing or at-risk of experiencing homelessness.
The awards will bring more than $1.25 million in housing-stability resources to the region. The awarded programs strengthen the area’s homelessness-response system by expanding opportunities for stability through housing and supportive services for those who need them most.
“This investment reflects the strong collaboration among partners in the Fredericksburg Continuum of Care to address homelessness in our region and expand resources to quickly move individuals and families from crisis to security,” Cait Woodward, continuum board chair and executive director of Loisann’s Hope House, said in an announcement of the grants. “Housing is the foundation for stability and opportunity, and we are proud of the collaboration across our region and grateful for the commonwealth’s continued investment in solutions that strengthen communities and support our most vulnerable residents.”
The Virginia Housing Trust Fund supports affordable housing development and homelessness-reduction initiatives across Virginia, helping communities expand housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income households.
The Homeless Reduction Grants aid projects that provide permanent supportive housing for people experiencing chronic homelessness, rapid re-housing assistance for individuals and families exiting homelessness, and innovative programs addressing gaps for underserved populations. The program is administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and supports local strategies developed through continuums of care across the commonwealth.
“These projects represent our shared commitment to helping more Virginians find housing that meets their needs and helps create stability for their families,” Spanberger said in announcing the awards.
Statewide, the funding will support 61 projects, including 19 permanent supportive housing programs, 29 rapid re-housing programs and 13 innovative projects serving vulnerable populations.
