Newport News homelessness drops in 2026 says regional study
Plus, Ferguson makes $1.6B acquisition; Serve the City annual report; free nutrition programs for city families
The number of people experiencing homelessness on the Virginia Peninsula dropped 7 percent over the past year, according to a recent regional count. The results were reviewed at a Friday, July 10 meeting in Newport News of the Virginia Peninsula Mayors and Chairs Commission on Homelessness. The organization includes representatives from Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, Williamsburg, James City County and York County. The 2026 Point-in-Time and Housing Inventory Count, which was released in June by the Greater Virginia Peninsula Homelessness Consortium, found 425 people experiencing homelessness in 2026, down from 456 in 2025, even as the region’s supply of shelter and housing beds fell 9 percent over the same period.
In Newport News, the count found 224 people experiencing homelessness, down from 243 the year before. Of that total, 203 people were sheltered and 21 were unsheltered, all of whom were counted in adult-only households, according to the report. The city reported 12 families, comprising 46 people, none of whom were unsheltered, along with 176 adult-only households totaling 178 people. Overall bed occupancy across the region stood at 94 percent on the night of the count.
The Point-in-Time Count is a single-night tally conducted each January, this year in 2026, covering people staying in shelters and those found in unsheltered locations. It doesn’t count people staying temporarily with others or on the brink of losing housing, so it reflects a partial snapshot rather than the full scope of homelessness. View the full report.
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The city accounted for the largest local total in the region. By comparison, neighboring Hampton recorded 116 people experiencing homelessness in 2026, down from 124 in 2025, with 101 people sheltered and 15 unsheltered. Hampton reported 10 families totaling 26 people and 89 adult-only households totaling 90 people, roughly half of Newport News’ totals across most categories.
Within Newport News, the count also tracked several subpopulations. There were 35 people classified as chronically homeless, 26 veterans, and 27 adults with a mental illness. The city also reported nine adults with a substance use disorder, five adults living with HIV/AIDS, two adults fleeing domestic violence, one parenting youth, and 15 unaccompanied youth.
Communities nationwide carry out the Point-in-Time count every January as a single overnight tally meant to measure homelessness on one representative night, per the Planning Council’s report. Counters track people staying in emergency shelters and transitional housing programs, along with anyone found sleeping outside, in vehicles, or in other places not built for housing. The tally leaves out people staying temporarily with relatives or friends and others on the verge of losing housing, meaning the resulting figure captures only part of the broader housing instability affecting the region, the report notes.
At the meeting, commission members also discussed a hotline study recommendation, the status of federal and state grant applications, an update on Four Oaks Day Services, and planning for winter shelter operations, per the notice. The commission is next scheduled to meet September 11.
In other news:
Business
Ferguson to Buy Flow Control Firm for $1.6 Billion Ferguson Enterprises, the Newport News-based distribution company, has agreed to buy FloWorks, a Houston company that sells and services valves and flow-control equipment, in a $1.6 billion cash deal, according to a Ferguson press release. Ferguson, headquartered in Newport News, describes itself as North America’s largest distributor of water and air solutions for the construction industry.
According to the press release, FloWorks brought in about $1 billion in revenue in 2025 and runs more than 60 locations across the U.S. and Canada, serving industries such as chemical plants, refineries, power generation, semiconductor makers, drugmakers and data centers. Ferguson said the price amounts to roughly 10 times FloWorks’ recent earnings, factoring in an expected $45 million in savings from combining the companies. The company said it expects to keep its debt levels within its usual target range after the deal.
According to the release, the purchase will broaden the range of industrial products and services Ferguson can offer, adding technical expertise and reach into new geographic markets. “FloWorks strengthens our leading position in high-growth industrial end markets, while adding meaningful capabilities and geographic coverage which we can leverage across our non-residential customer groups,” Ferguson CEO Kevin Murphy said in the release. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approval and other customary conditions.
Education
NNPS details new Elementary Engineering Design Challenge, Stoney Run Great Koala Challenge, DSA Science Stations in their latest “This Just In” video segment.
Social Services
Serve the City Peninsula shares 2025 annual report with community Serve the City Peninsula recently shared its 2025 Annual Report, celebrating the collaborative efforts of volunteers and donors who supported the organization’s mission throughout the year. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the organization’s activities and community impact.
Virginia Cooperative Extension Offers Free Nutrition Programs for Newport News Families Virginia Cooperative Extension announced the availability of the Virginia Family Nutrition Program, which offers free educational resources and classes designed to improve family health across Newport News and surrounding communities. The program focuses on addressing food security and preventing chronic diseases through comprehensive nutrition education and support services.
The program provides several class series tailored to different populations, including caregivers of young children, seniors aged 60 and older, and individuals seeking practical nutrition guidance. Classes cover topics such as healthy eating on a budget, food preparation skills, nutrient concerns for older adults, and physical activity. Programs are available at no cost to adults with limited income who receive government assistance through TANF, SNAP, WIC, Head Start, Medicaid, or similar programs.
Interested individuals or groups can contact Nutrition Education Facilitator Amarja McCormick at amarja@vt.edu or call the Newport News Virginia Cooperative Extension office at 757-591-4838 to inquire about hosting a class or determining program eligibility.
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