What: Members of Virginia Organizing’s Newport News/Hampton Chapter will speak out about the need for shelter at the February City Council meeting

When: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Newport News City Council, 2400 Washington St., Newport News, VA

Newport News, Va. — After their successful action at the Hampton City Council in January, the Newport News/Hampton Chapter along with community partners will call for the Newport News City Council to take immediate action in addressing housing insecurity and homelessness on Tuesday, February 13. 

February 13 is known as Black Love Day and has been celebrated for the past three decades. The chapter is highlighting the disparity that continues within Virginia’s communities, as Black families are more likely to experience housing insecurity and homelessness; more than 50 percent of unhoused Virginians are Black.

In Hampton Roads that number is closer to 70 percent as a result of racist urban renewal and redlining, which displaced and divested Black homeowners.

Last year the chapter also held a Black Love Day action and asked Newport News City Council not to break their hearts, but members say their hearts remain broken over this issue. They are calling for immediate solutions, saying that the peninsula needs a shelter now.

“As is right now, they are blowing smoke, talking loud but ain’t saying nothing other than what we want to hear,” said Andre Hammond, an unhoused member of the chapter. “A shelter would benefit the community.”

To interview a spokesperson for this session, please contact Sarah Miller at 904-557-8590 or sarahm@virginia-organizing.org.