Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Homelessness Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Williamsburg human services highlights HOPE outreach that moved families into housing
Summary
Director Wendy Evans told council the city’s HOPE outreach has engaged dozens of unsheltered residents, helped multiple people secure housing and assisted 153 families since July; staff warned a TANF grant is ending and said they are developing a transitional program for single adults.
Wendy Evans, the city’s director of human services, told the Williamsburg City Council on March 12 that the HOPE outreach initiative launched in May 2025 is shifting how the city reaches people experiencing homelessness.
"By going out and talking to them on the street we've really changed our relationship," Evans said, describing weekly outreach efforts led by a staff member who has engaged more than 50 individuals and helped move four people into leased housing and five into substance-use treatment programs.
Evans said the program pairs street outreach with practical assistance — helping clients obtain identification, apply for benefits and access short-term motel stays while they pursue employment and housing. Since July, her team has met with 153 families, prevented eviction for 28 families and helped 39 families move into permanent housing.
The presentation also included a warning about funding: Evans said the TANF grant that supported some employment and housing services will be lost, so the department will prioritize city families and partner with faith-based organizations and nonprofits to meet needs. "We will just focus on our city families and the resources we have and our partnerships," she said.
Councilmembers praised the work and asked how residents can alert staff to people in need. Evans said the department accepts public referrals and coordinates with partners, and that the outreach team is now distributing phones repurposed by IT to improve communication with people they serve.
The council took no formal action; staff said they will continue the HOPE initiative and pursue a new housing program to address gaps for single adults.
