Roanoke Times Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc. DATE: FRIDAY, March 30, 1990 TAG: 9003300429 SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO SOURCE: KIM SUNDERLAND CORRESPONDENT DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Munford offered that advice in support of Montgomery County Community Shelter's fund-raising efforts for the homeless.
As the organization's honorary chairwoman, she spoke to about 20 people at an early lunch at the Blacksburg Holiday Inn. She encouraged their attempts to build another homeless facility in Christiansburg.
"A community that has wealth and resources such as we should not allow anyone to go without shelter," Munford said. "I am particularly worried about families and their children."
The community shelter group operates a trailer in Blacksburg that serves one family at a time. With nine or 10 families seeking housing in the area every month, the coalition has decided to purchase and renovate property on Roanoke Street to house three homeless families.
"It has been really frustrating only being able to help one family at a time," said Greg Boardman, chairman of Montgomery County Community Shelter.
Hoping to raise $100,000, fund-raising efforts were kicked off March 1. To date $11,000 has been raised, according to Fred Clarkson of Christiansburg, director of the campaign.
Munford called homelessness "a mind-boggling dilemma" that did not fit stereotypical mind-sets.
"I used to think homeless people were winos and derelicts," Munford said. "But they're families in crisis and they have children, too."
Citing statistics from the Virginia Coalition on Homelessness, Munford said there were 68,000 emergency beds occupied in the state last year. Forty-four percent were filled by families with children, and 13 percent were children younger than 17. In 1988 there were 14,000 requests for emergency assistance denied due to a lack of shelter.
"The problem is not just nationwide, it's right here in the New River Valley," she said. More than 400 people sought shelter in Montgomery County within the last two years.
Many community officials believe the numbers could rise due to the economic swings the valley is experiencing.
Another increasing problem Munford touched on is the rise in the number of homeless school-age teen-agers. She said that according to a Department of Education survey, there are 11,000 to 12,000 school-age homeless people and half of them have dropped out. Many have been deserted by their families.
"We're seeing more and more of these young adults seeking shelter," said Carol Johnson, Montgomery and Radford area office director for New River Community Action.
Affordable housing is another problem, according to Munford, who said that low-cost housing in Montgomery County is minimal.
"Many families are one paycheck away from being homeless," Munford said.
Besides monetary donations, two projects will help reach the fund-raising goal. A thrift shop operating in a back room of Unique Boutique on Main Street is selling small furniture, clothing and appliances with 70 percent of the proceeds going to help the homeless.
The shop will have to relocate in two months to make way for county offices.
The shelter group also is in line for a combination grant and loan from the state Homeless Housing Assistance Resources of Virginia. With those funds, the community shelter could pay off its two notes on the house and pay for operating costs.
"We asked for $85,000, but hope to get maybe $60,000 to $70,000," said Kathy Parrott, vice president of the board. She said the sale closing could occur in June after lending requirements are met and property appraisals made.
by CNB