My name is Michael Koran and I am with Collaborative Research LLC (CR), a Consultant firm for the City of Virginia Beach, Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation.

Over the next two months, CR will be conducting a Housing Needs Assessment for the City of Virginia Beach’s Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Extended Metropolitan Service Area (EMSA) in accordance with HUD requirements as well as the City’s approved Consolidated Plan.

CR will provide 4”x 6” palm cards to your organization to distribute to your clients to inform and encourage them to participate in the self-administered anonymous survey. This survey will help the City of Virginia Beach make informed decisions regarding the HOPWA program as it relates to eligible clients needs.

CR will also host three focus group meetings at three locations for the purpose of listening to and gathering information in a presentation/discussion context to also assist in the Assessment. The information for the focus group meetings is as follows:

Please encourage your clients, staff, and community to participate in the needs assessment survey by distributing the 4”x6” palm cards, email blast, or any other form of notification that is typically used to notify clients or the community of opportunities to participate in programs. Everyone is welcome to participate regardless of HIV status and participation in the HOPWA program. We appreciate your continued support for this Housing Needs Assessment survey.

Here is the link to the survey if you wish to forward to anyone you think may be interested: