WILLIAMSBURG — A celebration was held earlier this month to commemorate the opening of Henry IV Helping Hands of Hope’s first veterans home in Williamsburg.
The nonprofit, based out of Norfolk, works to eliminate veteran homelessness and provides resources to veteran caregivers. The organization works with veterans throughout the Hampton Roads Peninsula and Southside regions.
A ribbon cutting event was held on Feb. 14 for the new home. During the ceremony, those in attendance heard firsthand from veterans who had experienced homelessness and how getting involved within their communities helped begin the healing process.
“This Veteran home represents a beacon of hope for those who have served our country and now find themselves struggling with homelessness. Williamsburg has a growing population of unhoused veterans, and our mission is to provide stable housing, resources, and community support to help them rebuild their lives. This home is the first of many we hope to open,” Pamala Brown, director of Henry IV Helping Hands of Hope, said.
The new home in Williamsburg is a 1,500-square-foot house occupied by three tenants. The home is a comprehensive program providing safe housing and support services for individuals and families transitioning from homelessness or unstable living conditions. The home includes case management, employment assistance, and life skills training with the support of its collaborative partners.
Brown, a 20-year Air Force veteran, knows the importance of getting veterans involved in their local community.
“The goal is to connect the veterans and the community. We want to collaborate with all of the Williamsburg community leaders and agencies so that we can find out what the continued needs are of the community. We want to know how we, as an organization, and our veterans can be of help,” Brown said.
Various local groups attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the home. After the ribbon cutting, those groups that came out for the ceremony continued to work on the home, building furniture and putting finishing touches on the house.
“It truly showed me how I’m not alone. It showed me that other people are willing to come alongside me as I take on this endeavor. When Habitat for Humanity showed up, when the American Red Cross showed up, when the Salvation Army showed up, they came ready to help. These people in the community showed up and just started doing what they could to help,” Brown said.
Henry IV Helping Hands of Hope is always looking for more volunteers. The group also has an Amazon wishlist to help add more furniture and decor to the Williamsburg home. For more information, visit henry4helpinghandsofhope.org.