Flagler exceeds Rapid Re-Housing Challenge goal: 52 families housed in 100 days
Read more in the Richmond Times-Dispatch article 116 families benefit from housing blitz, published February 10, 2014.
From October 17, 2013 to January 24, 2014, Flagler Housing & Homeless Services participated in Virginia’s first-ever Rapid Re-Housing Challenge. Thirty-one organizations across the state set a collaborative goal to place 500 homeless families in permanent housing in 100 days. In partnership with the National Alliance to End Homelessness, 545 families now have a home as a result of the challenge. Flagler rapidly re-housed 52 of those families in the Richmond and Petersburg areas, exceeding its goal of 50.
LaToya on the front porch of her new home
Single-mother LaToya Currie and her 18-year-old son Justus were among the families housed by Flagler during the challenge. An elementary school tutor and substitute teacher, LaToya rented her Petersburg home for four years until it was abandoned by the landlord and condemned by the City.
“We were never evicted, just left with no water or heat,” said LaToya.
LaToya stayed at a local shelter for two months. Unable to stay longer, and with no other resources, she returned to the condemned home. Fortunately she had contacted Flagler while at the shelter and soon afterward began the re-housing process.
“They made it happen quick,” LaToya said. “I’m very, very grateful. I don’t know how I could’ve made it without Flagler. I can breathe easier now.”
Her new home is located just blocks away from her old one and is on the bus line, allowing her easy access to her job and city amenities.
LaToya is currently seeking to teach full-time once again. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Virginia State University and is a Ronald E. McNair scholar.