Homeward Executive Director Honored with CEF BRAVO Award

October 30, 2024

Homeward's Executive Director, Kelly King Horne, was recognized earlier this month by the Chesterfield Education Foundation as an outstanding alumna of Chesterfield County Public Schools.

The BRAVO Awards honor remarkable achievements of Chesterfield County Public Schools alumni each year. This celebration gives honorees the chance to return to their former schools, sharing their stories with current students and highlighting how their education in Chesterfield County set them on the road to success.


Since the awards' inception in 2009, the Chesterfield Education Foundation reports that 60 alumni have received BRAVO Awards.


Kelly was recognized for her 21 years with Homeward. Serving as Executive Director since 2007, Kelly has led initiatives for compassionate, coordinated approaches to homelessness. Nationally, she contributes to the Leadership Council for the National Alliance to End Homelessness, where she’s served since 2018. A proud Monacan High School graduate from the class of 1987, Kelly’s dedication extends globally through her work with Habitat for Humanity and the Peace Corps. She is also a dedicated mother and an active supporter of the Monacan Marching Band and Humanities program.


View Kelly's award video:

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.