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By Jaedda Armstrong
VIRGINIA BEACH
When the aged heating system breaks and the windows don't shut properly at the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center's homeless shelter, resident Bernadette Harp doesn't complain.
But on Friday, she looked pleasantly surprised when Dominion Virginia Power granted the center $50,000 for repairs.
"We know that this center is funded by donations, but when you see the people behind it, it's even more meaningful," the 44-year-old resident said.
Nearly 50 community and city leaders were invited to the announcement, which took place in the center's dining hall Friday.
Former U.S. Rep. Thelma Drake and members of the City Council made remarks before the check was presented.
"Homelessness is more of a problem these days, and it's getting worse," Councilwoman Rosemary Wilson told the crowd. "Money is in short supply right now, so this is a blessing."
The center - located on Virginia Beach Boulevard near Birdneck Road - provides food, housing, job training and on-site case management for the homeless. There are two shelters for single people and families on the premises that house more than 60 people each night.
Kirk Welch, the center's executive director, said the grant will be used to install an energy-efficient heating and air conditioning system and replace the facility's aging windows and doors. Carpets will be replaced and walls will be painted with any leftover money, he said.
After about an hour of remarks and acknowledg ments, Dominion's Chief Executive Officer Paul Koonce presented the check.
He said Dominion appreciates the center's efforts to move the community forward during tough times.
Welch smiled and said: "This means the world to me and the residents here. It makes their lives so much better."
Jaedda Armstrong, (757) 222-5846, jaedda.armstrong@pilotonline.com
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Dominion is in need of some
Dominion is in need of some good PR. Fix the building up and install green technology. Ha ha. Fuel cells are going to put a dent in Dominion's coffers soon enough.
For those that don't like VA
For those that don't like VA Power...would it be possible to just install a natural gas powered generator and then cut off service with VA Power? Just wondering.
Crank that A/C
As a stockholder, I applaud Dominion for their donation. I only hope the work is completeed quickly before the next council election so the soon to be homeless incumbents can rest comfortably.
And if Dominion did not give
And if Dominion did not give back to the local communities most of you would complain about that as well. Get a life. BTW - how much did you donate to local non-profits?
I would invite
any one of these trash-talking cranks to visit the JCOC. It provides a wonderful service to the community. Different churches and civic organizations take turns feeding evening meals there. They can always use an extra pair of hands. They will also accept food for the shelter and used clothing, furniture and other goods to sell in their thrift shops. These bozos who resent Domimion donating money to the JCOC think that by buying girl scout cookies they've done their part.
Another Rate Increase Coming
Great here comes another rate increase from Dominion on top of the money they stole from all of us from last year. They sure are genorous to donate our money.
Another Rate Increase Coming
Great here comes another rate increase from Dominion on top of the money they stole from all of us from last year. They sure are genorous to donate our money.
Good Investment?
I commend DVP with giving back to the community it serves.
But are there any more deserving? I don't believe DVP should be a company/org that charges a service to that community donating that money to anyone and then raise the rates to their customers to pay for it.
Money for golf course???
Is Dominion donating for the TOXIC golf course they helped built??? Donating for the fly ash they
helped "distribute" in Chesapeake?? Nice "PR". Cough Cough, Hack, Hack...
haha incognito, you're funny
It's all Dominion's fault right? What about the developer whos idea it was in the first place to back fill the area with fly ash? What about accountability of the City of Chesapeake planning, permits, and inspections dept? You know that land wasn't developed with out the city okaying it in the first place. Plus, that fly ash course is not really that toxic. I would speculate that there is more toxins from the petroleum cantaminants on roadways from rain runoff the the fly ash. Fly ash is used in many other thing you use everyday and dont even know it. How about go after the real cause of the problem, not the easiest target.