Williamsburg nonprofit expands homelessness initiatives with new grants

3e Restoration Inc., a nonprofit based in the Williamsburg area, has received grants to expand its efforts to combat homelessness through a Housing First approach. The organization, established in 2014, began as a grassroots initiative linked to Williamsburg Christian Church, a nondenominational congregation in James City County with a long-standing commitment to aiding the homeless and socially displaced.

Rev. Fred Liggin, the lead pastor of Williamsburg Christian Church and founder of 3e Restoration, serves as its executive director of community development and training. He described the organization’s mission as an expression of Christian hospitality and inclusion, emphasizing that Christ calls the church to care for all neighbors, regardless of their circumstances.

Social displacement, as defined by Liggin, encompasses a wide range of challenges, including developmental disabilities, domestic abuse survivors, serious mental illness, substance use disorders, immigration issues, and aging populations. He noted that people may live in a physical home but still lack a sense of belonging or stability.

3e Restoration operates as a Christian community development agency, partnering with other nonprofits, social services, faith-based groups, and educational institutions. Its focus is on providing housing and trauma-informed care, along with training that addresses the root causes of homelessness.

Prior to becoming a nonprofit, the work of 3e Restoration was conducted from within Williamsburg Christian Church. Liggin shared that the congregation had housed 11 individuals at their own expense, driven by a commitment to faithfulness and compassion.

The Housing First model, which 3e Restoration employs, prioritizes securing permanent housing for individuals experiencing homelessness without requiring preconditions like employment or sobriety. Liggin explained that this approach addresses the primary trauma associated with homelessness, helping individuals stabilize before tackling underlying issues.

Liggin’s personal experiences with unhoused individuals led him to explore the causes and effects of homelessness. He sought to better serve his congregation by understanding and addressing the trauma people face. As a certified trauma professional, he has developed a trauma-responsive framework and curriculum that guides 3e Restoration’s work.

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