Cities Provide Apartments for Homeless

Andrew Adams looks out over the street from the walkway in front of his apartment in Norfolk, Va., Wednesday, March 21, 2007. Adams moved into his apartment last fall as part of Norfolk's Housing First initiative, a program that puts homeless into existing housing and then tries to address their mental health or substance abuse issues. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) (Steve Helber - AP)

"I didn't do anything," Adams said. "But at the same time, I was hurting."

A few days later he was moved into an apartment. He now lives in a small one-bedroom apartment in a low-rent neighborhood. It is neatly furnished with donated furniture and a few things Adams has purchased. A blanket covers the window. A wooden desk in the living room had belonged to Kitchin's grandfather.

Adams lives on Supplemental Security Income, food stamps and Medicaid. He cannot work or drive a car, though he hopes to get a job someday. A case worker stops by regularly to make sure he takes his medication and goes to doctor's appointments.

"I'm beginning to feel more complete," Adams said as he sat on a small couch in his living room. "I have heat now, so I don't have to be cold."

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On the Net:

Norfolk Office to End Homelessness: http://www.norfolk.gov/homelessness/

Interagency Council on Homelessness: http://www.ich.gov/

Housing and Urban Development Department's homeless assessment report to Congress: http://tinyurl.com/2bz3cu

Coalition for the Homeless: http://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/