Helping the homeless

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent
Monday, December 19, 2011

The article in the Star exponent on Friday about the homeless led me to think about solutions. I read with great sadness that there would be a mom with 3 children sleeping in her vehicle with no heat.  I did some quick research with the help of the Small Business Committee of the Chamber of Commerce. Here are a few opportunities to help:

“In this season of giving and tax planning, these two opportunities can combine to leverage our support for the organizations that support the people most in need.  The Virginia Department of Social Services has a Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) that emphasizes partnerships between the private and public sector to assist the economically deprived.  This program could multiply your contribution up to three times.  A simple example would be that one donates $1,000 to a NAP eligible organization.  You will receive a federal charitable deduction for the $1,000 resulting in a $300 tax benefit, depending on your effective tax rates.  Virginia will provide you with $400 credit (40% of the donation) toward your tax.  That potentially results in a $1,000 contribution with a net out-of-pocket investment of $300”, according to Chris Pearson, CPA at Yount, Hyde & Barbour , PC.  

Culpeper Community Development Corporation, run by Sam Aiken, a homeless shelter in Culpeper is listed in the NAP program of approved organizations. The program details can be found at the following state website: http://www.dss.virginia.gov/community/nap.cgi”. Giving to the CCDC is an easy way to make a great impact this holiday season.

Later, Tripp Butler sent Jack Garber, Director of the Piedmont United Way to talk with me about the issue. Jack described the network of volunteer support that is in place in the community. The Culpeper Ministerial Association, Food Closet, Culpeper Department of Human Services, Salvation Army, Piedmont United Way, and many other partners work together to provide shelter to the homeless from the Sunday after Thanksgiving to the first Sunday in April.

The Culpeper Homeless Consortium (my name for the group) has found shelter for up to 28 per night with the capacity for a few more. They provide food and a warm place to sleep while being managed by a coordinated group of volunteers. Amazingly, the consortium has also opened it arms to those in Orange that need shelter as a result of the closing of the Orange homeless shelter. 

An important part of the consortium is the Piedmont United Way. The PUW provides service in coordinating the needs among Non-Profits, Government Agencies, and Business to eliminate redundancy while optimizing the use of funds. They are also a very good resource to help ensure that the needs are valid. The Piedmont United Way is a critical part of keeping our safety net-work strong.

If you would like to donate, volunteer to help, or even provide a meal, contact the Piedmont United Way at 540-825-7569. In addition, an easy phone number to remember if you know of someone in need (non emergency) is “211” which reaches a phone center and coordinates services throughout Virginia.

Jim Charapich CEO/President
Culpeper County Chamber of Commerce