Preliminary Findings Reflect Gains in Fight to End Homelessness

Preliminary results published in February revealed that 1,040 people in the region are experiencing homelessness which reflects a 10% decrease from the peak in January 2009.

Preliminary results published in February revealed that 1,040 people in the region are experiencing homelessness which reflects a 10% decrease from the peak in January 2009. Programs providing permanent supportive housing and outreach services have contributed to a 21% decrease in the number of people living on the streets in the region since the peak in January 2009. Specific highlights from today’s announcement include:

    Economic Indicators

  • 13.5% of people experiencing homelessness reported that they had been through a foreclosure as an owner or as a renter.
  • 19.1% of those surveyed reported that they were employed. Since January 2007, the percentage of people experiencing homelessness who are employed has decreased by more than one-third.
    		•

      Children

  • 131 children were counted.
  • 9.4% of homeless persons have children living with them.
  • 9.0% of adults accompanied by children report have at least a college degree.
  • 41.2% of homeless parents are employed.

      • Persons with disabilities

  • Of the 46.2% reporting a long-term disability, 54.4% reported a mental health disability.
    		•

      Last Permanent Housing

  • Richmond – 48.3%
  • Chesterfield – 7.5%
  • Henrico – 10.8%
  • Hanover – 2.3%
  • Elsewhere in Virginia– 16.2%
    		•
    January 2012 Winter Point-In-Time Count
    Overall Population
    Total Point in Time 1,040 5.6% decrease
    Total Children in Point in Time Count 131 17.6% decrease
    Unsheltered Population
    Unsheltered 147 10.9% decrease
    Sheltered Population
    Emergency Shelter: unaccompanied adults 221
    Emergency Shelter: persons in families
    (incl. children)    		 65
    Transitional Shelter: unaccompanied adults 464
    Transitional Shelter: persons in families
    (incl. children)    		 143


    Overall Population
    January 2007
    January 2008
    January 2009
    January 2010
    January 2011
    January 2012
    Total Point in Time 1,150 1,073 1,150 1,012 1,102 1,040
    Total Children in Point in Time Count 139 153 136 131 159 131
    Unsheltered Population
    Unsheltered 149 166 184 152 166 147

    January 2012 Winter Point in Time Count Data

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    designed by Alicia Duffy

    In addition to performing a count of people experiencing homelessness, individuals also completed a detailed survey conducted by local volunteers. Answers to the 70-question survey are used to obtain specific information on how to better respond to the issue of homelessness.

    The primary site for the count and survey was the weekly lunch program at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Richmond and included a resource fair with medical screenings, flu shots, benefits information, veterans’ services and free haircuts. The point-in-time count was also conducted in secondary areas in the City of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico in cooperation with local social services and law enforcement agencies and area shelter staff. For a complete list of partner agencies Click Here