Housing Families First planning upgrades
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Officials from Housing Families First met with the Henrico Board of Supervisors at its March 12 meeting to discuss assistance and permissions that will help people experiencing homelessness.
The Henrico nonprofit, which in 2012 changed its name from the Hilliard House, has been operating since 2001. The organization is now asking the Henrico Board of Supervisors for permissions and financial assistance to make improvements.
“The county owns the property that we sit on,” said Housing Families First Executive Director Beth Vann-Turnbull. “We are always thoughtful about involving them appropriately and getting the right permissions before we move into a project.”
Housing Families First works with other organizations of the to divert homelessness, provide shelter and help achieve permanent housing in the Richmond region.
The emergency shelter known as the Hilliard House currently holds one family per bedroom, which totals 10 bedrooms with 30 beds. Vann- Turnbull said the funds would go towards an additional bedroom, ten extra beds, heating/air systems, roofing and more.
Some renovations already are underway, Vann-Turnbull said. These include swapping bulky furniture for some that will allot more space for 500 children and adults.
Housing Families First also would like to incorporate mental health assessments and short-term childcare to families with the approval and help of the Henrico Board of Supervisors.
“We will be asking for some additional support to defray the costs of big mechanical systems and facility improvements,” Vann-Turnbull said. “We want to make sure they feel well-informed and that we are following their guidelines.”
Renovations are slated to be complete by 2022.
Housing Families First received $2.5 million late last year from Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos as part of his Day One Fund.
In addition to the funds from Bezos, the organization hopes to use money from other sources which includes campaigning, and the Board to house more people in the Greater Richmond area efficiently.
