GRCoC Commends City of Richmond for Expanding Shelter Services

November 30, 2023

On behalf of Homeward, we want to thank Mayor Levar Stoney, City Council President Michael Jones, Committee Chair and Councilmember Stephanie Lynch, all of the members of Richmond’s City Council, and the truly dedicated members of the City administration for making this significant and compassionate expansion of homeless assistance available. For 25 years, our community has come together across organizational and jurisdictional differences with a shared goal of reducing the crisis of homelessness.

The Greater Richmond Continuum of Care is a coordinated and compassionate network of homeless service providers in our region supporting our neighbors pushed into homelessness. More than 34 mission-oriented agencies participate in the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care. This collaboration starts with listening to the community. We talk with and listen to our neighbors pushed into homelessness and then work together to overcome obstacles to finding permanent, stable housing in our region. Our local homeless service agencies develop and deliver trauma-informed programming and tackle the complex challenges of securing funding and navigating large service networks in order to meet the needs shared with us by our neighbors. Homeless service providers use what we learn from our neighbors to say yes to helping as many people as possible, but the reality remains that we can’t give someone what we don’t have.

 

When we expand resources like we are seeing in action today, we can get more people on the pathway to a permanent home. 

 

Today represents a significant step forward on this pathway and we are pleased to support this effort and to be a part of such a compassionate community working to make it possible for all of our neighbors to have a safe place to call home. Here is a link to the remarks made at today’s event by Annette Cousins, the Chair of the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care board. Here’s a link to the letter of support we shared in September and we are looking forward to having additional resources now to continue to our fight against homelessness: https://bit.ly/47U4zlH.

 

Again, we thank the City Administration and City Council for their strategic and compassionate partnership and collaboration on this important and difficult issue. We’ve seen that additional investments in proven solutions to homelessness result in more people receiving the help they need. We believe that everyone deserves a safe place to call home and commend City leaders for your continued commitment to support our most vulnerable neighbors.

 

To learn more about how to join us in these efforts as we approach winter, please visit: https://www.homewardva.org/help.

Data with Purpose: Celebrating Margot Ackermann’s Retirement from Homeward

By Elizabeth Handwerk • January 30, 2026
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.

Our Work Matters: Collaboration and Coordination with Street Outreach Partners during Harsh Winter Weather

January 28, 2026
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.

Preparing for This Weekend's Winter Storm

January 21, 2026
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.

5 Questions About The Point in Time Count

January 14, 2026
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.

Staff Spotlight: Camille Johnson

By Elizabeth Handwerk • January 6, 2026
“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.”

Before the Babies Arrive: A Holiday Story of Collaboration

By Jen Johnson • December 23, 2025
This holiday week, our community of partners proved once again that we do better work together.

Farewell and Thank You, Melanie McDonald

By Elizabeth Handwerk • December 19, 2025
After more than 20 incredible years with Homeward, Melanie McDonald embarks on a well-earned retirement.

Addressing Homelessness Together, as a Region

November 24, 2025
As the Richmond region continues to become a more expensive place to call home, we see elevated rates of poverty, housing instability, and homelessness.

Winter Planning to Serve Our Most Vulnerable Neighbors

November 18, 2025
The Richmond region got its first blast of winter recently. As the winter season approaches, we all brace for cold days and colder nights. Winter is always an especially difficult time for our neighbors pushed into homelessness. Homeward staff have been working diligently with Greater Richmond Continuum of Care (GRCoC) partners to prepare for the additional challenges that come with cold weather.

Providing Shelter and Nourishing Our Neighbors in Need

November 17, 2025
As we recognize Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week from November 16th – 22nd, we’re reminded of the important role that emergency shelters play in our region’s coordinated and collaborative response to homelessness. In fact, many people are often surprised to learn how many emergency shelters operate throughout our region and the number of meals they provide.