The winter 2009 census of the homeless population in the Greater Richmond region shows an overall increase compared to last year, but fewer of those counted are children.
A count conducted Jan. 29 by Homeward, a regional agency that coordinates homeless services, found that 1,150 people in the Richmond area were homeless -- a 7.2 percent increase compared to the same time last year.
However, the number of homeless children dropped by 12.5 percent to 136. The decrease is attributed to efforts by Homeward, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority to move homeless families into public housing faster.
"While this winter we observed an unfortunate increase in the number of homeless adults, we can confirm our assertion that access to housing can end homelessness," said Kelly King Horne, Homeward's executive director.
At the Richmond Salvation Army, more people have been seeking family services such as rent and mortgage assistance, food from the food pantry and clothing, said operations and programs administrator Mike Joyce.
"A lot of that has been driven by the economy," Joyce said, adding that he met this week with a person laid off from LandAmerica Financial Group Inc.
Last month's study also included a 70-question survey to measure the impact on homelessness of the slow economy, foreclosures, heart disease and being in foster care. The results of the survey will be released in March.
Contact Melodie N. Martin at (804) 649-6290 or mmartin@timesdispatch.com.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement