On Jan. 26-27, the city conducted the annual Point-in-Time Count of homeless individuals and families in Virginia Beach. Preliminary results show that 453 individuals and families were either unsheltered or staying in emergency shelter or transitional housing during the 24-hour period of the count, compared to a total of 517 in 2010. This number is expected to change as the city is still awaiting additional results from other service providers that assist the homeless. While the total number appears to have decreased, 92 single adults were found to be without shelter the night of the count, a 14.5% increase from last year. A final and detailed report will be released once the data are completed and analyzed.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that we conduct the Point-in-Time Count to receive federal funds through the Continuum of Care. Each year, more than $1 million is granted through the Continuum of Care to Virginia Beach agencies that provide emergency housing and services to the homeless.