News Summary
3e Restoration Inc., dedicated to aiding the homeless in Williamsburg, has received significant funding to enhance its Housing First initiatives. An $85,000 grant from the Sentara Cares Foundation will support the Be the Change Hospitality project, while a $50,000 grant from the Williamsburg Health Foundation will enhance the Resilient Neighbor Initiative. This funding aims to improve housing solutions and community support for vulnerable populations, addressing the increasing homelessness challenges faced in the area.
Williamsburg – 3e Restoration Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to helping the homeless, has secured significant grants to enhance its housing support in the Williamsburg area, including James City County and York County. These grants will further the organization’s mission to provide sustainable housing solutions through its Housing First approach, which prioritizes securing permanent housing for individuals facing homelessness.
The nonprofit recently received an $85,000 grant from the Sentara Cares Foundation to support its Be the Change Hospitality project, which operates at the Pineapple Inn and Housing Center, offering emergency shelter and access to a food pantry. In addition, the organization was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Williamsburg Health Foundation to bolster the Resilient Neighbor Initiative, which strives to enhance community support for at-risk populations.
The Housing First model, adopted by 3e Restoration, emphasizes obtaining stable housing for individuals without requiring them to fulfill conditions such as employment or sobriety beforehand. This approach is founded on the understanding that stabilizing housing can significantly improve mental health and enable individuals to move beyond their traumatic experiences.
3e Restoration Inc. was established in 2014 following initiatives by the Williamsburg Christian Church (WCC), a nondenominational church known for its efforts to assist the homeless. The organization has provided trauma-informed care and responsive training for community members, aiding those in need with a holistic evaluation of each individual’s circumstances rather than merely addressing their immediate needs.
Before formalizing its operations as a nonprofit, 3e Restoration leveraged church resources to successfully house 11 individuals. The organization seeks to assist a diverse array of populations, including those living with developmental disabilities, domestic abuse survivors, individuals with mental health challenges or substance use disorders, and older adults.
According to recent studies, approximately 2,000 individuals experience homelessness annually in the Newport News area, leading to a rising demand for assistance amidst significant challenges. The ongoing impact of federally mandated funding cuts has severely affected several nonprofits that aid the homeless, such as the Williamsburg House of Mercy. Additionally, the city of Williamsburg has initiated the Houseless Outreach Partnership Engagement (HOPE) project, aimed at connecting homeless individuals with essential services.
Statistics reveal that the poverty rate in Williamsburg stands at 21.5%, in contrast to surrounding areas with lower rates, illustrating the pressing need for comprehensive support systems in the locality. Rev. Fred Liggin, who serves as both the lead pastor of WCC and executive director of community development and training at 3e Restoration, has noted the difficulties posed by flawed counting systems for homelessness, which often result in inadequate resource allocation. Collaborations with local agencies are being fostered to address the interconnected barriers faced by the homeless population effectively.
3e Restoration’s future aspirations encompass expanding its trauma-responsive curriculum and developing online training programs available across Virginia. The organization emphasizes compassion towards individuals facing homelessness, recognizing the profound struggle involved in transitioning their lives from merely surviving to genuinely thriving in a more stable environment.
The need for effective support structures and increased funding has never been more evident as organizations like 3e Restoration endeavor to create a lasting impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness in the Williamsburg area. With backing from community grants and a solid foundation in the Housing First philosophy, 3e Restoration is poised to enhance its efforts and contribute meaningfully to the regional fight against homelessness.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Press: Williamsburg Area Nonprofit Works to Fight Homelessness
- WYDaily: Tammy Harden – Real Estate Broker Turned Advocate for the Homeless
- Dignity Memorial: Brenda Schneider Obituary
- Legacy.com: Collins Blaha Obituary
- WYDaily: Home First Williamsburg Program Moves First Families into Stable Housing
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- Google Search: Homelessness in Williamsburg
- Google Scholar: Williamsburg Homelessness Initiatives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness
- Google News: Williamsburg Homelessness
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
