Local Funding Supports Regional Solutions to Homelessness

August 20, 2024

July 1st marked the beginning of a new fiscal year for the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care (GRCoC) and Homeward. New and existing resources that support proven solutions to homelessness will be deployed over the next 12 months to serve our region’s most vulnerable neighbors.

This is an ideal time to recognize a crucial set of partners in the effort to solve homelessness: local governments, including Chesterfield County, Hanover County, Henrico County, and the City of Richmond.


All four jurisdictions dedicated local funding for GRCoC agencies in their recently approved budgets. These local resources support the critical work of homeless service providers in the Richmond region.


The GRCoC Board of Directors, Homeward’s leadership, and GRCoC agencies are grateful for the ongoing partnership between the GRCoC and our local governments. This partnership between the public and nonprofit sectors has been instrumental in our region’s efforts to address homelessness and one reason that the Richmond area is nationally recognized for this work.


Importantly, the funds earmarked in FY 2025 budgets and disbursed by local governments align with the GRCoC's funding priorities and investment strategy. These funding priorities and investment strategies ensure that resources for homeless services are maximized to help as many people as possible.


Although the demand for homeless services and housing far outweighs the available resources, by aligning public funding with proven strategies, our region can say yes to helping more people. Collaboration and coordination ensure we have a bigger collective impact.


Thank you to the elected leaders and staff from Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, and Richmond for continuing to invest in GRCoC agencies and proven strategies to solve homelessness.

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.