LETTERS: County support makes a difference

More than 20 years ago, Henrico County made a visionary investment to support the most vulnerable families with children in the County. Housing Families First, a nonprofit that began with the Hilliard House on Nine Mile Road, has grown over two decades to manage our region’s largest emergency shelter for families with children, a robust rapid re-housing program that quickly moves families to permanent homes, and a partnership with local schools to assist students and their families facing housing instability.

On December 13^th, Housing Families First unveiled our recently transformed campus in Eastern Henrico County. Anchored by the Hilliard House, our campus has expanded so we can serve even more families with children in our region. Throughout our history, Housing Families First has served over 3,000 people and 79 percent of the families we’ve helped have exited to permanent housing.

A safe and stable home is truly the foundation for any child’s success. Health and education outcomes improve as do confidence and self-worth measures. Helping families with children facing housing crises is a powerful investment in our community’s future. At Housing Families First, we are proud to be based in Henrico County and so grateful for the County’s continued support in so many ways. All Henrico residents can be proud to live in a county that prioritizes the needs of families with children.

Sincerely,

Beth Vann-Turnbull, Executive Director
Housing Families First