Norfolk Agencies Unite to Provide Affordable Housing

According to statistics, approximately 500 people in the United States suffer from a lack of housing and conditions necessary for a dignified life. Currently, due to a lack of government resources and interest in addressing the issue, many people are living on the streets, abandoned by the government and without health coverage.

Virginia is one of the American states affected by the lack of affordable housing and a large unprotected population. As one of the largest cities in the state, Norfolk is among the metropolises with the most people affected by this issue.

Although the Fair Housing Act regulates access to shelters, the city of Norfolk does not have sufficient resources to address the lack of affordable housing and the other problems that arise, such as insecurity, health issues, begging, and the abandonment of disabled people, the elderly, and children.

Perceiving this and as a person affected by this problem, Janice Miles has wanted to help the thousands of people who, like her, cannot find solutions to obtain decent housing, health, and everything a person might need for daily living. As a result, she created the agency Johnson Homes.

Johnson Homes LLC is a placement agency that offers shared, safe, and clean housing for homeless people, those with mental and physical disabilities, the elderly, and any type of person who feels vulnerable and unprotected by the administration. However, its main focus is on providing affordable housing to people with health problems or needs.

Joining her effort is the Four Rivers Project, an agency with the mission to improve the lives of marginalized people affected by the criminal justice system; social, educational, and economic deprivations.

Both agencies are committed to offering comprehensive services to homeless people, people with disabilities due to mental health issues, and others who need help finding stability. To fulfill their mission, they now have several homes and shelters.

Janice Miles states that people who do not have enough state or family support and do not have housing will always face great challenges for survival, which can often lead to chronic health problems.

Not having a home is perhaps the biggest problem a person can have and is the main cause of emotional instability, says Janice. Like her, many people find great challenges in the system when it comes to meeting basic needs such as health and safe, stable housing.

To fulfill their mission, and due to the lack of public funds, the agency charges rent to residents. In exchange, they offer accommodation, clothing, food, utilities, counseling, and a connection with landlords and investors.

To alleviate the burden on those affected, Janice also works with home care agencies, telecommunications companies, and lawyers who provide advice to people who have lost their homes due to foreclosure processes and help with disability claims.

Among the people most affected by the housing affordability crisis in the city of Norfolk, and on whom the agencies focus the most and allocate the most resources, are the elderly who do not have a home or permanent residence.

The elderly and disabled are among the most vulnerable people in the city because, in addition to being prone not to seek help, the care system is complex, and the city council requires a lot of documentation to process any type of assistance.

In addition to these groups, the Norfolk administration is encouraging and promoting more agencies to join and help with the challenges generated by the lack of housing in the city. They trust that with joint help, they can resolve, in addition to housing instability, health, economic problems, and reduce poverty.

They also seek for real estate market experts to help selflessly with advice on rental contracts, evictions, and foreclosure prevention.

Available Foreclosures:

Norfolk: 120 homes available.

By Elias DaSilva | October 17, 2024.