'New purpose and new life' for new affordable housing project on Henrico-Richmond line

Like many other localities feeling the impacts of the pandemic, Henrico County has fallen victim to the symptoms of a larger national issue – a growing gap between the available supply of affordable housing and the number of people who need it. Virginia Supportive Housing’s Cool Lane Commons, an 86 unit affordable housing development formerly used as an assisted living facility on the border of Richmond and Henrico, will help close this gap.

Henrico officials spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony for the $23 million project last week alongside Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and representatives from Virginia Supportive Housing and Faith Community Baptist Church.

Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas spoke about the spirit of collaboration between Henrico and Richmond City government officials that made the project possible.

​​“The city line is right down the street and so, ultimately, [this will help] all of our residents,” he said.

Fairfield District Supervisor Frank  Thornton echoed Vithoulkas in celebrating the partnerships between the county, the city, VSH and the church.

“The ability to work together and serve the common good has brought us to this point,” he said. “The project ahead of us will bring new purpose and new life to the empty structure.”

Earlier this year, the Citizen reported that 699 people in the Richmond region, which includes Henrico County, were experiencing homelessness. The nationwide surge of rent increases threatens to exacerbate homelessness in the area, VSH Executive Director Allison Bodanovic said.

To illustrate how rent increases have impacted Richmonders, she told the story of a woman living at New Clay House – the VSH’s housing project in the city – who, in the midst of needing a heart transplant, was confronted with a $500 rent increase. Unable to pay and with nowhere to turn, she sought the help of the VSH, whose members not only helped her back on her feet, but assisted her in securing the heart transplant she needed.

Bodanovic is hopeful that Cool Lane Commons (where 10 units will be reserved for homeless pregnant women) will help change people’s lives in similar ways Her statement was met with applause.

Stoney took to the mic and spoke about the positive impacts the commons will have on the Greater Richmond community. About 20% of Richmond residents are living under the poverty line, he said.

“We believe that housing will lift individuals out of poverty and give folks opportunities,” he said.

Stoney also acknowledged, however, that housing is not a one-size-fits-all solution to homelessness and poverty. The creation of educational programs and the development of supportive service partnerships will be necessary to achieve the goals outlined in the city’s strategic plan to end homelessness by 2030, he said.

Like other VSH programs, the commons will operate using the “housing first” methodology, a solution that employs a low-barrier admissions system and customized supportive services. The services promote long-term stability and aid participants in securing healthcare, income, and insurance.

Additionally, the program assists with recovery from physical and mental health problems and substance abuse disorders, all of which are leading causes of homelessness in the US.

This combination of assistance programs has proven extremely effective. According to a VSH release, 99% of the people they serve in the Greater Richmond area do not return to homelessness.

Members of Faith Community Baptist Church are thrilled that the building located across the street from them is going to serve the noble cause of affordable housing, Pastor Patricia Gould-Champ said.

In addition to the housing units, Cool Lane Commons will contain offices, fitness, laundry and common rooms as well as serve as a gathering place for those helping with Faith Community Baptist community service initiatives.