Gov.-elect urges private money to help homeless

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Just days before taking office, Virginia Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell says there is a way to maintain service to the homeless in tough economic times.

McDonnell visited the Carpenter's Shelter in Alexandria Thursday, where at least 20 children were among the homeless. He asked for private donations to step in where the government cannot.

"Donate time, talent and money to help other people because government's not going to be able to do everything this year with the budget downturn."

McDonnell took a tour of the 80-bed facility, which is near capacity. He then helped make grilled cheese sandwiches for shelter residents.

Shelter Director Fran Becker says there has been an increase in demand for beds in the last year, even though Alexandria is one of the more affluent communities in the state. She says things could get worse as the state trims the budget.

"At this point in time, there is an 18 percent cut in state funds for homeless individuals and homeless programs."

McDonnell becomes Virginia's 71st governor at noon on Saturday. In the last week, he has visited food banks, homeless shelters and a jail to highlight the need for private giving in tough economic times. He praised the Carpenter's Shelter, which Becker says has a 90 percent success rate in getting people training and jobs, and getting them back in their homes.

Virginia is facing a $4 billion budget deficit. The General Assembly is expected to find cuts to close that budget gap over the next two months.

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