((PKG)) HELPING AMERICA’S HOMELESS
((Banner: Finding a Home))
((Reporter: Julie Taboh))
((Camera: Adam Greenbaum))
((Adapted by: Zdenko Novacki))
((Map: Woodbridge, Virginia))
((ROSE POWERS, STREETLIGHT COMMUNITY OUTREACH MINISTRIES))
StreetLight was formed, it was established as a nonprofit agency here in Woodbridge, Virginia, to reach out to the poor and the homeless. We also target the chronically homeless people who have lived in the woods for years and years and years. Many of them are medically fragile or disabled.
((NATS))
((ROSE POWERS, STREETLIGHT COMMUNITY OUTREACH MINISTRIES))
We have the food pantry and the clothing closet and that provides food for impoverished families and they can come once a month and receive food. We carry a wide range of items, at least 30 different food items, including meats, eggs if we can get them, and dairy product.
((FRANKIE, HOMELESS MILITARY VETERAN))
I don't make enough to afford rent in this area.
((ROSE POWERS, STREETLIGHT COMMUNITY OUTREACH MINISTRIES))
Many of the people we work with who are literally homeless actually work, but they do not have the skills, the job skills or the educational level to command a job that pays an affordable wage.
((RICHARD, FORMERLY HOMELESS))
So, I wound up getting evicted. One thing led to another, and here I am. Here I was. I went from living in a tent in the woods, to living in my own place, having a purpose. I have a job. I don't have to worry about my necessities in life. They basically helped me get back on my feet and give me, like you know, give me more self-confidence.
((ROSE POWERS, STREETLIGHT COMMUNITY OUTREACH MINISTRIES))
The homeless need more than just a roof over their head. They need love. They need a chance to have dignity. They need to know that they have value. They need to know that people care about them.
((LARRY, STREETLIGHT CLIENT))
I’m Larry and I’m with four guys that stay in this house. I feel very grateful to be here. I lived in the woods for four years. I was hit by a truck. StreetLight took me in. They looked out for me. I feel totally blessed.
((TONY TURNAGE, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY))
If we can start putting programs together such as affordable housing projects, permanent supportive housing projects, I think we can significantly make some inroads in reducing the number of persons we see homeless on an annual basis.
((Courtesy: StreetLight))
((ROSE POWERS, STREETLIGHT COMMUNITY OUTREACH MINISTRIES))
Our goal is to build a multi-unit facility offering permanent supportive housing in an upscale apartment-style complex. And with this complex we will offer wraparound case management services addressing the multiple issues that have led to homelessness.
((NATS))
