Providing Shelter and Nourishing Our Neighbors in Need
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.
Emergency shelters for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Richmond region are coordinated through the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care (GRCoC). This collaboration ensures that we have the maximum impact helping people and can serve as many of our neighbors as possible.
Who do they serve?
Between July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025, shelter operators that received coordinated funding through the GRCoC provided 125,751 shelter bed nights. They served 1,252 people (751 single adults and 501 people in families) in year-round shelter programs and another 251 people in domestic violence shelter programs.
Additionally, shelters served over 250,000 meals to program participants in that timeframe.
Emergency shelters offer a safe physical environment and access to food while also providing year-round resources, such as access to housing-focused case management, housing stability plans, housing barriers assessments, and connections to other resources.
GRCoC partner agencies that operate emergency shelters are established organizations with a long track record of service and highly qualified staff. These providers also meet extensive transparency and accountability standards.*
Who are they?
Emergency Shelter Providers
· CARITAS
Domestic Violence Shelters
Medical Respite
· Daily Planet Health Services
* These shelters are coordinated through our regional coalition. There are other shelters and resources outside the scope of the GRCoC that are not included here.
How can you help?
Learn more about our region’s compassionate and coordinate efforts to address homelessness, including year-round shelters. The most recent GRCoC Annual Report has lots of great data and info. You can also review a summary of the report online.
Additionally, consider supporting the local nonprofits that operate shelters in our region. A link for each nonprofit is above. Feed More is another great organization to support as our region’s largest foodbank.
As economic insecurity and housing instability continue to rise, more of our neighbors will be pushed into homelessness. It will take all of us working together as a community to solve homelessness in our region.
