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Nonprofit and residents praise Portsmouth’s sheltering steps after snowstorm, call for better outreach
Summary
Speakers including Portsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless and resident GW Thompson thanked city staff for warming-center operations during a recent snowstorm but urged better outreach to people experiencing homelessness and sustained funding for year-round shelter services.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Residents and nonprofit leaders at Portsmouth’s Feb. 11 City Council meeting commended the city’s response to a recent snowstorm while urging improved outreach and sustained funding for people experiencing homelessness.
GW Thompson, a volunteer organizer speaking on behalf of Virginia Organizing and local church feeding programs, said he was encouraged that the city and partners established an overnight warming center at the Portsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless (PVH) shelter, increased shelter capacity from 20 to 27 for overflow, provided meals and set up a pickup point at the Department of Social Services. Thompson said a hotline and media outreach were used but added that many unsheltered people did not learn about the warming station in time and recommended stronger, earlier distribution of shelter criteria and pickup locations, including print materials targeted to the population.
“Consider using print media to enhance the coverage of this population,” Thompson said, noting that several day shelters and library locations were closed during the storm and that some people did not get notice in time.
Darlene Sparks Washington, executive director of Portsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless, described PVH’s work during the storm and the organization’s expanded operations. She thanked Lieutenant Sherrod and Fire Chief Magna Back for emergency coordination and said the group temporarily hosted an overnight warming center following pre-existing planning. Sparks Washington also said PVH has shifted from a six-month seasonal shelter to a year-round night shelter, raising operational costs by at least 50 percent and increasing the need for fundraising and community support. As of the meeting she reported 48 teams and 343 walkers registered for an upcoming PVH fundraiser.
Why it matters: PVH’s transition to year-round sheltering increases recurring costs and service demands. Speakers urged the city to maintain coordinated, timely communications among city agencies, nonprofits and faith-based partners to ensure those in need can access shelter during future weather emergencies.
Council members and staff acknowledged the work of city crews during the snowstorm. No formal council action on sheltering or funding was recorded at the meeting; speakers requested continued collaboration and suggested follow-up coordination work by staff and community partners.
