There is a national Housing Crisis being felt throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and in Hampton Roads, and there is no one solution or easy fix. However, we do know that that first step in reaching solutions is education, to understand the issue and explore potential options.
Collaboration and caring came together on Monday, October 7, 2024 at Bethany Baptist Church, Campostella Road for a complimentary regional showing of “Beyond the Bridge” documentary and stakeholder discussion, presented by Chesapeake Thrives Housing work group, hosted by The Planning Council and Bethany Baptist Church, and supported by community stakeholders including Chesapeake Human Services, Chesapeake Planning, Hampton Roads Planning District Committee, Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Virginia Beach Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation, Agape Feast, Chesapeake Humane Society, and VAHCDO (Virginia Association of Housing and Community development Officials) .
BEYOND THE BRIDGE is an ambitious documentary film about solutions to homelessness and affordable housing. A Bigger Vision Films team traveled over 40,000 miles around the US to answer this question: How can this country solve homelessness in a comprehensive way? The answer surprised us with its simplicity, as two large cities proved that solving homelessness is within reach of any community. The initial documentary, “Under the Bridge” can be found and viewed on YouTube, https://youtu.be/vfGw71SWbGE?si=jmBZLv_x_PFlZ3eb.
Invitations went out to local, regional, and state elected officials and candidates, all levels of city staff, community non-profits, and the faith-based community, with nearly two hundred in attendance, including Congressman Bobby Scott and Councilman Don Carey. Following the documentary, there was a robust discussion, sharing area housing needs and gaps, current projects and initiatives in the Hampton Roads community, and next steps, actionable calls-to-action and follow-up activities for audience and community members to work toward addressing the region-wide need for affordable housing, and support for the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission's Regional Housing Study.
Agape Feast and their army of volunteers assembled a visually impactful display of artwork created by clients of the Chesapeake “We Care” Resource Center for the homeless. One client shared his story of homelessness and success after receiving assistance in the form of a PSH voucher, with several others with lived experience in attendance and sharing their own, personal struggles.
In hope of reaching the widest possible audience and keeping the momentum going, attendees were provided a one-pager listing potential solutions and opportunities. They were also provided regional contacts and invited to share ideas and programs as well as potential sites well-positioned for possible affordable housing development and existing buildings suitable for adaptive re-use. Stakeholders are encouraged to continue sharing and educating within the community, encourage private landlords to participate in affordable housing programs or consider leniency in screening, to show up and be a voice in government meetings, and advocate for the homeless, affordable housing programs, and quality housing for all.
