Additional Emergency Shelters for Neighbors in Need This Winter
November 11, 2026
Cooler temperatures are becoming the norm in Central Virginia as we approach the middle of November. That means that winter is almost here, which can be among the most challenging times for our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
In a recent blog post, we highlighted how winter planning is a year-round effort and shared resources for how everyone can help people experiencing homelessness during the winter season. We also noted that local government and nonprofit partners collaborate to activate additional resources during the winter.
Details about those specific resources are now available and include the following:
Inclement Weather Shelter (IWS): Operated by The Salvation Army at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue, this seasonal shelter will be open from November 15, 2026 through April 15, 2027.
Surge Shelter: Operated by CARITAS, this shelter will be activated when IWS occupancy reaches 85% and temperatures are 40°F or below for two consecutive hours. It can be activated between December 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. Please note that any single adult seeking walk-up shelter should report to Salvation Army first, regardless of Surge Shelter activation. Transportation to Surge Shelter will be available if IWS is at capacity.
Overnight Extreme Winter Weather Warming Center: Operated by CARITAS, the warming center will open when both the IWS and Surge shelters have reached capacity and overnight temperatures are forecasted to reach 20°F or below for two or more consecutive hours, or when other life-safety hazards warrant activation. When activated, the warming center will be located at Marshall Plaza.
Additional information about these seasonal emergency shelters and other resources is available online here.
The winter shelter response is supported through partnerships among the City of Richmond, Henrico County, Chesterfield County, Hanover County, Homeward, The Salvation Army, CARITAS, GRTC, and other regional homeless service providers.
Planning for how we serve our neighbors experiencing homelessness during the winter is a year-round effort, and you can be a part of it.
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