After nearly two decades of dedicated service and impact on efforts to solve homelessness in the Richmond region, Margot Ackermann, Ph.D. is retiring from her role as Director of Research and Evaluation at Homeward . While we will deeply miss her leadership, compassion, and institutional knowledge, we also celebrate the legacy she leaves behind: one that has strengthened our community, shaped data-driven practice, and inspired countless colleagues and partners.

There is incredible compassionate collaboration that happens with trained street outreach professionals and Homeward - the dedicated planning agency for the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care (GRCoC) – each and every day, but especially on days with extreme weather.

Most of us have seen the weather reports for this weekend’s winter storm. Any accumulation, let alone what’s forecasted, is disruptive for everyone, especially our neighbors facing homelessness.

Later this month, Homeward will organize the Winter 2026 Point in Time (PIT) count for our region. The PIT count takes place annually and has been managed by Homeward since 1999.

“There are so many people who are one check or one job loss away from homelessness. We all need to be kind to each other.”