In the News
Crescent Square Construction
July 23, 2015The Virginia Pilot recently reported on construction of our Crescent Square property, under construction in Virginia Beach. Read more about the project here.
Read full article via VSHA Day in the VSH Life
May 26, 2015Meet Board Member Anne Thomas Hines
Richmond native Anne Thomas Hines joined VSH’s board last August, and she’s quickly proved her passion for our mission and commitment to serving others. Mrs. Hines chairs the Mission Advancement Committee in Richmond, and is also chairing the auction event for Find Art Doors to be held in October. She also recently hosted VSH’s first celebration of our “Pillars of Hope Society” that recognizes sustaining donors.
Mrs. Hines’ dedication for serving those less fortunate kicked in long before her VSH orientation; it’s been part of her inner drive for as long as she can remember. In fact, when asked if she could outline her ideal day in Richmond, she simply said she would love the opportunity to spend several hours every day working with the under-served in the community.
Finding that time was hard to do while raising three children and working fulltime running an interior design business and an antiques store—which she and her husband operated for 43 years before closing last year. Somehow, she still managed to fit it in her volunteer work.
In fact, Mrs. Hines has also served on the Boards of Freedom House, the Peter Paul Development Center and FeedMore. Even now, while wearing many hats serving VSH, she still runs her interior design business.
What keeps her going? Knowing that serving non-profit organizations makes a difference.
“When students from impoverished neighborhoods go on to higher education, we knew we made a difference,” she said. “When food makes its way to nourish children and ‘shut-in’ seniors, we’ve made a difference.”
At VSH, Mrs. Hines can see that difference every time she interacts with clients. Last December, she attended VSH’s annual Christmas luncheon at St. James’s Episcopal Church. “I looked across the room and saw clients sharing family photos with her,” said Andrea Butler, VSH’s senior director of mission advancement. “She is genuinely interested and engaged with people from all walks of life, and they took to her like bees to honey.”
“Sharing a meal and conversation with a formerly homeless individual is possibly the best way to feel the mission of VSH,” added Mrs. Hines.
“No one wants to be homeless,” she said. “No one wants to live under a bridge or beg on street corners in the freezing cold or hot summer. By using a proven solution to homelessness, we are addressing the needs of the most vulnerable individuals in our community. We are making a difference.”
Read full article via VSH3 Blocks to Home
May 6, 2015A recent video created by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation gives a first-hand look at what it’s like to reclaim your life after homelessness. Check it out here:
http://www.virginiasupportivehousing.org/about/vsh-video/
Read full article via VSHGive Local 757
April 22, 2015On May 5th & 6th from noon to noon, the Peninsula, Southeast Virginia and Suffolk Community Foundations will host the second annual Give Local 757, the largest fundraising event in Hampton Roads for over 150 local nonprofits.
For 24 hours with just a minimum of a $10 donation online (givelocal757.org) or in person (at any Langley Federal Credit Union Branch) citizens can give to Give Local 757 nonprofits that serve the Hampton Roads region. Donations will be amplified with matching funds and prizes! Communities are encouraged to choose a cause, give great and help transform their communities by supporting causes they are most passionate about. We hope we can count on your support of VSH during this two-day challenge!
For more information, please visit https://www.givelocal757.org/
Council Furthers Commitment to Ending Homelessness in the City–The Daily Progress
January 21, 2015The Charlottesville City Council approved two resolutions Tuesday reaffirming a commitment to ending homelessness in the area. $150,000 will be granted to a statewide nonprofit agency and $105,000 to a local charity group to support short- and long-term housing solutions for the city’s homeless population.
The additional funding will help accomplish the city’s goal of increasing the ratio of supported affordable units to 15 percent by 2025, as outlined in the city’s 2010 Affordable Housing Report. The ratio was estimated most recently to be at 10.29 percent, according to a Neighborhood Development Services housing report from April.
Housing development specialist Kathy McHugh presented both resolutions to the council Tuesday night and said she was “absolutely excited” to secure support for both organizations. McHugh also serves on the executive board of the Thomas Jefferson Area Coalition for the Homeless.
“It’s going to be a great project,” McHugh said. “It coalesces nicely, very nicely with the other agencies reaffirming support.”
Read full article via VSH