Ways to Help People Experiencing Homelessness This Holiday Season

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:

1. Create cold weather kits: Create kits with cold weather essentials to be distributed by Homeward staff and volunteers during our community’s Point-In-Time count (PIT) in January. The PIT count is a single night count of people experiencing homelessness in our community.


2. Spread hope for the holidays with CARITAS: CARITAS has several ways to give back this season. You can donate items to their holiday shop, make holiday cheer bags for program participants, help organize donations, or provide a Christmas meal.


3. Give House Warming Gifts: HomeAgain’s Community Housing clients are in need of supplies for their new homes including cleaning supplies (Lysol wipes, bleach, laundry detergent, bathroom cleaner, trash bags, mop, brooms, sponges), paper products (paper towels, toilet paper, napkins), Household Supplies (new twin/full sheets, new twin/full blankets/comforters, pillows, towels, washcloths, pots/pans, utensils, plates, bowls). Shop directly from their Amazon Wishlist.


4. Spread joy to families in Housing Families First Programs: Fulfill a child's holiday wish list (or an entire family's wish list), provide a child with a new set of pajamas or a coat, fill holiday stockings, make a holiday dinner basket, or donate gift wrapping supplies. Info on how to participate in all of these opportunities is on HFF's website.


5. Collect basic needs and holiday items: Help The Salvation Army collect basic need items for adults and children staying in their shelters, or donate children's gifts from their Angel Tree registry at Wal-Mart.


6. Donate medical supplies, food, and winter gear: Daily Planet Health Services is collecting medical supplies for their diabetes, maternity, pediatric, and therapy programs. They also need pantry staples and winter clothing. All info is on their website.


Thank you! We at Homeward wish you a joyful holiday season. If you If you have questions about Homeward’s work or the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care, email info@homewardva.org.


Note: If you are having a difficult time this holiday season, please take care of yourself. If you are struggling with housing, visit homewardva.org/get-help to learn about community resources. If you need to talk to someone, contact the Warm Line at 866-400-6428. It is a peer-run mental health line through Mental Health America of Virginia.

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

Homeward Supports Regional Application for Federal Funding

November 15, 2024
The Greater Richmond Continuum of Care (GRCoC) – our region’s compassionate and coordinated network of 34 local, mission-driven agencies addressing homelessness – recently submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) the regional coordinated application for federal funding. This application is important to our area because federal funding from HUD accounts for the majority of public dollars allocated for homeless services.