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Residents urge Newport News to act on homelessness study; local groups report higher demand ahead of Port kickoff
Summary
Multiple speakers during public comment urged the council to implement recommendations from the Virginia Peninsula Homeless Study of 2025. A private developer proposed a 100+ tiny-home community model; LeHi of Hampton Roads reported rising shelter demand and warned HUD-funded services could be affected by a federal shutdown.
Speakers during public comment on Oct. 28 urged Newport News leaders to move quickly on strategies to address homelessness and to support local provider coalitions. Rick (Richard) Hewitt described a proposed Good Samaritan Community Village of Virginia'a tiny-home community with more than 100 permanent units, a basic health clinic, life-skills programming and consolidated services. Hewitt said the proposal aligns with recommendations in the Virginia Peninsula Homeless Study of 2025 and asked the council and churches to reduce regulatory barriers to enable the project.
Elizabeth "Liz" Parker, president and CEO of LeHi of Hampton Roads, thanked council for support and said LeHi helped 812 unduplicated guests last year and expects 950 to 1,000 this year because of recent evictions. Parker asked the city to investigate eviction-related trends and warned that a continued federal shutdown could disrupt HUD-funded services LeHi uses to serve clients.
Chanel Ketchmore of Ketchmore Kids described youth programs and partnerships, and asked for continued support. Council members responded with assurances the council is taking homelessness seriously while signaling a limit on informal tent encampments. The mayor and several council members said the city seeks innovative solutions such as tiny homes but will not allow tent cities to form. Councilman Long offered to meet with Hewitt after the meeting; the mayor suggested staff follow up on Hewitt's business plan left with the city clerk.
There were no formal council votes tied to these public comments at the meeting. City manager and council members acknowledged the Virginia Peninsula Homeless Study of 2025 and indicated staff and council will continue deliberations and follow-up with providers and partners.
