Statement on Homelessness

October 6, 2025

At Homeward, we believe that all people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, especially individuals and families experiencing homelessness. They are our neighbors and members of our community. We all face varying levels of crisis and hardship throughout our lives, some of us more than others.

Individuals and families pushed into homelessness are trying their best to navigate trauma and a housing crisis. Our response as a community should be to support and empower them. As human beings, everyone has inherent value and dignity.


Homelessness is traumatic, and we should acknowledge and respect the resilience needed to transition from experiencing homelessness to a safe, stable, and permanent home.


Building pathways to permanent homes can be challenging. Fortunately, there are a great many homeless service providers, social workers, and others who make an impact every day. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly to support the individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing instability. These frontline workers provide comfort, guidance, and support.


We know how to solve homelessness in our region. There are a number of programs with proven track records of success in moving people from homelessness to safe and stable homes. These programs work, but we need additional investments in these solutions, including more housing and supports, such as job training and housing or financial counseling.


You can help by supporting local nonprofits that serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our region: https://www.homewardva.org/our-partners.

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.

Act Now to Preserve Critical CoC Federal Funding

By Elizabeth Handwerk • October 22, 2025
Act Now to Preserve Critical CoC Federal Funding

Housing Is the "EpiPen" for Homelessness — But We Need Enough of Them

August 18, 2025
Housing works. We just don’t have enough.

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.

When the System Comes Together: Supporting a Grandparent Through Crisis

By Jen Johnson • July 28, 2025
Sometimes, it’s the unexpected moments that reveal the strength of a system—and the compassion behind it.