Read more about this topic here.
Panhandling FAQs
How many people in the Richmond region are currently experiencing homelessness?
In January 2018, Homeward conducted its winter point-in-time census of those experiencing homelessness. On any given day in Greater Richmond there are 609 men, women and children who are homeless.
Of those currently experiencing homelessness, how many panhandle?
Of the 609 homeless residents counted this winter, 22.7% of adults indicate that they had gotten money in the past year from panhandling or asking strangers for money. More data on this can be found here.
What should community members do that want to help?
Download, print, and hand out our Street Sheet. This is a one-page resource where people can help connect people with the services they need to overcome their crisis.
Homeward encourages community members who want to get involved to support local service providers that are directly assisting our homeless neighbors. A list of service providers can be found at www.yourunitedway.org, www.giverichmond.org, www.endhomelessnessrva.org/givehelp or by calling 2-1-1. Volunteer opportunities can be found at www.handsonrva.org or by calling 2-1-1. Please note that many holiday volunteer opportunities fill up quickly.
Does Homeward support local ordinances that prevent citizens from asking for money?
Homeward typically does not take a stance on local ordinances.