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.

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.

Staff Spotlight: Terri Lawson

July 1, 2025
“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

June 25, 2025
"In every aspect of homeless services, the principal question is always how decisions will impact someone who is currently experiencing homelessness."

Staff Spotlight: Vicki Wise

May 22, 2025
“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