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.

Cookies, Coordination, and a Path to Housing: How This Week’s Case Conferencing Took a Different Turn

By Jen Johnson • July 29, 2025
This past week, case conferencing looked a little different - and the impact was undeniable. As we navigate a year filled with uncertainty and change, our team wanted to try something more intentional and focused. Instead of our usual agenda, we decided to zoom in on the top 8 individuals who have been staying the longest in emergency shelter across our CoC. These are often the most complex cases, where progress can feel slow and housing solutions hard to find. But we believed that by rallying more intentionally around them, we might be able to move the needle.

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Staff Spotlight: Terri Lawson

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“I truly enjoy helping people navigate through different circumstances and creating a space for them to be seen and heard.”

Staff Spotlight: Frances Marie Pugh

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Staff Spotlight: Vicki Wise

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“Engaging with people and building community motives me.”

Compassion in Action: One MSW Student’s Experience in Homeless Services

By Elizabeth Handwerk • March 18, 2025
In honor of Social Work Month, we're highlighting Homeward's Coalition Support Intern and current MSW student, Ainsley Miller. We asked her about the connections she sees between social work and homeless services.

Homeward Releases Data from Winter Point in Time Count 2025

March 4, 2025
Homeward today released data from the January 2025 Point in Time (PIT) count, which shows that a significant number of individuals and families continue to experience homelessness in the Richmond region. Lack of housing and economic hardship remain persistent challenges and driving factors for the elevated rates of homelessness in Central Virginia. Additionally, it’s important to note that these numbers do not capture other regional residents who are unstably housed or worried about maintaining a roof over their head.

Statement from Homeward on Federal Funding Situation

January 29, 2025
As the designated planning agency for the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care, our region’s coordinated network of homeless service providers, Homeward works closely with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). We have been following recent developments related to federal funding for homeless programs. We are collaborating with local, state, and national partners to assess the implications for the people served by the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care and to ensure that there are no further disruptions to support proven solutions to homelessness in our region. Federal funding from HUD has been critical to our local network’s ability to help thousands of regional residents get on the pathway to a permanent home. This person-centered and compassionate work has tangible impacts in our communities. We will continue to monitor this situation closely, update our partners, and support this important work. To learn more about the vital role of HUD funding and its impact in our region, read this recent blog post .

Richmond Region Receives Over $9.3 Million in Federal Funds to Address Homelessness

January 27, 2025
Amount Includes Over $1.5 Million in New Project Funds

Ways to Help People Experiencing Homelessness This Holiday Season

By Elizabeth Handwerk • December 4, 2024
The holidays are a time of joy, gratitude, and celebration. It is also a time that the reality of homelessness becomes more visible, standing in sharp contrast to the season's twinkling lights and jolly tunes. Many of us are inspired to reflect on our blessings and find ways to support our more vulnerable neighbors, whether that be with our time or our resources. Here are just a few ways you can help this holiday season: