Virginia Supportive Housing

Virginia Supportive Housing has been awarded a $750 grant in the Beautification Category. This was number 2 in our 30 in 30 grant program, and as you’ll see, Thirty is the key number here. The KVB grant program focuses greater resources and attention on organizations and individual localities throughout the Commonwealth and how they are addressing the issues of litter prevention, recycling, waste reduction, beautification and education.

KVB provided the opportunity for government, non-profit and/or service organizations in Virginia to apply for one of 30 grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 in three different categories: Beautification and Community Greening, Litter Prevention, and Recycling. These grants are made possible by KVB partners – Capital One, Waste Management and Lowe’s.

Virginia Supportive Housing plans to construct a productive, organic vegetable and fruit garden at its newest housing development, The Crossings at Fourth and Preston, located in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia. The Crossings, opened in March 2012, is a mixed income apartment community providing permanent supportive housing for 30 chronically homeless individuals and affordable housing for 30 low-income individuals earning less than 50% of area median income. Onsite support services, including case management, skills training, and community building, are available as needed to help residents increase their housing and economic stability and work toward mental health and substance abuse recovery. A community garden at The Crossings will provide residents with the opportunity to grow their own food and join together in a cooperative project for mutual benefit. It will also enhance the natural environment around the building, which is located at the corner of a busy intersection in the city. The garden also has the potential to bring about cohesion among the residents. There are 60 individuals moving into The Crossings, and some, especially those who have been homeless for years, may not be accustomed to living with & trusting others. The residents would benefit from being part of a community & working together to accomplish a goal.

Very cool.  And a great use of a space to make it productive and green!

Stay tuned for more winners!