Housing project aims to reduce homelessness in Virginia Beach

[00:00:00]A new weapon in the fight against homelessness is opening in Virginia Beach next week. The Judeo-Christian Outreach Center's new supportive housing campus will provide people experiencing homelessness with stable housing and critical on-site support. Leila Cox takes us inside.

[00:00:17]>> This isn't a traditional shelter.

[00:00:19]Residents here will have their own apartment-style units, giving them stability and privacy as they work toward long-term housing and independence.

[00:00:27]>> Behind this door is a space some people take for granted. A bed, a kitchen, a bathroom. And for someone experiencing homelessness, a place to finally call home. The new Making and Joan Brock House at the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center on Virginia Beach Boulevard features 38 efficiency apartments for people experiencing or recovering from homelessness. Each unit comes with the basics many people have not had for months or even years.

[00:00:51]>> Somebody comes in, they're signed a 12-month lease. So, this is their home.

[00:00:55]And that's how it's set up. I think what makes it unique is the supportive service piece that's attached to it.

[00:01:00]>> 13 News Now toured the facility with executive director Todd Walker on his 14-year anniversary with the center. A community room named after him will host daily meals, wellness programs, and financial literacy classes to give residents the tools they need to succeed.

[00:01:14]>> They will have a staff member that's assigned to them to help them address whatever issues, you know, they may have. Whether that be financial, whether that be mental health, substance abuse.

[00:01:25]Uh there's, you know, they're they will be working with them around the clock.

[00:01:29]>> JCOC leaders say applicants must meet income requirements and complete screening through the city's coordinated entry process. After more than a decade of planning and praying, Walker says they hope to begin leasing units before the 4th of July.

[00:01:41]>> I like to say empathy is the shortest distance between two people. So, we look at meeting people where they are and then walking with them to where they want to go. And so, that's that's kind of my mission.

[00:01:51]>> In Virginia Beach, Leila Cox, 13 News Now.

[00:01:55]>> And JCOC says interest in the new housing development has been strong.

[00:01:59]They expect demand to outpace the 38 available units as they prepare to welcome their first residents by midsummer.