Homeward Announces 2024 Winter Point in Time Count

January 22, 2024

Collecting reliable and consistent regional data about individuals and families experiencing homelessness is crucial in building an effective community-wide response.

Homeward will organize and conduct a Point in Time (PIT) count in the Greater Richmond region on the night of January 24, 2024, and the morning of January 25, 2024.


Findings from the PIT count help our region’s coordinated network of homeless services, the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care, learn about needs in the community from those individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness.

By talking directly to people experiencing homelessness in our region, homeless services providers can lead more effective and impactful community change.


PIT counts are a requirement from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that communities conduct periodic counts of people experiencing homelessness. This data is compiled both locally and nationally to inform programs, planning, and funding. Homeward has coordinated Greater Richmond's PIT counts since 1999. Homeward has used a standard methodology since 2007, which includes publishing PIT count data and trends over time on our website.

As part of statewide coordination, PIT counts are taking place around Virginia on January 24-25, 2024.


Once the Greater Richmond PIT count is complete, Homeward will begin analyzing the data and reporting to federal and state agencies, as required by law. Initial findings from the Winter 2024 PIT count are expected to be released in late February.

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.

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Preparing for This Weekend's Winter Storm

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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.”

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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.