7 Ways to Help People Experiencing Homelessness This Holiday Season

As the days get darker and colder, we become more aware of the injustice of homelessness. On any given night, 780 people experience homelessness across our community. Homeward works with a network of amazing providers that serve people experiencing homelessness 365 days of the year. Along with many other partners, we come together as the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care, a planning and decision-making body that allows our region to have a bigger impact on homelessness by working together.

Below are seven ways to support people experiencing homelessness from seven organizations in the Continuum of Care:

1. Attend the Community Memorial Service: On Wednesday, December 7 at 4pm, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, located at 1100 W Grace St, Richmond, VA 23220 will host the Community Memorial Service to remember those in our community who passed away while homeless or formerly homeless in the past year. There will be a dinner after the service and all are welcome. Donations of hats, gloves, and/or blankets will be gratefully accepted.

2.  Create Cold Weather Kits: Create kits with cold weather essentials to be distributed by Homeward staff and volunteers during our community’s Point-In-Time count (PIT) in January. The PIT count is a single night count of people experiencing homelessness in our community.

3. Holiday Gift Cheer Bags: CARITAS holiday wish list is designed to make the holidays happier for their program participants in shelter and The Healing Place. Please complete this form to share what you are contributing and bring the items to CARITAS, 2220 Stockton St., Dec 7-15^th, 11am-3pm. Questions? Contact Christopher Lee at clee@caritasva.org with questions.

4. Give House Warming Gifts: HomeAgain’s Community Housing clients are in need of supplies for their new homes including cleaning supplies (Lysol wipes, bleach, laundry detergent, bathroom cleaner, trash bags, mop, brooms, sponges), paper products (paper towels, toilet paper, napkins), Household Supplies (new twin/full sheets, new twin/full blankets/comforters, pillows, towels, washcloths, pots/pans, utensils, plates, bowls) Contact Suzanne Wright at swright@homeagainrichmond.org for more details.

5.  Make Holiday Meal Kits: Provide Housing Families First’s community clients with special holiday meal kits they can prepare at home. Thanks in advance for spreading holiday joy to families in HFF programs!

6. Collect basic needs items: The Salvation Army is collecting items for men, women, and children staying in their shelter. For men: size L, XL, XXL boxer briefs, long and short sleeve t-shirts, thermal underwear, winter hats. For women, feminine pads, deodorant, underwear. For kids: baby soap, underwear, winter hats, mittens. For all: book bags, twin bed linens, pillows, thick blankets, heated blankets, towels, hand towels, wash cloths, and gift cards. Contact Paul at Paul.Murphy@uss.salvationarmy.org or 804-433-1699 for more details.

7. Donate Snacks and winter gear: Daily Planet Health Services is collecting snacks and winter gear to distribute to people who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness during street outreach. Contact Sarah Tunner, stunner@dailyplanetva.org, with any questions.

Thank you! We at Homeward wish you a joyful holiday season. If you If you have questions about Homeward’s work or the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care, contact Erika at eschmale@homewardva.org or (804) 406-9258.

Note: If you are having a difficult time this holiday season, please take care of yourself. If you are struggling with housing, visit homewardva.org/get-help to learn about community resources. If you need to talk to someone, contact the Warm Line at 866-400-6428. It is a peer-run mental health line through Mental Health America of Virginia.