Emergency Homeless Shelters in Richmond VA

In Richmond, Virginia, a variety of emergency shelters and support services for the homeless work to help individuals and families facing housing instability or homelessness. These services are coordinated through the region’s provider network and the Greater Richmond Integrated Care System (GRCoC), under the supervision of the City of Richmond’s Office of Homeless Services.

This article examines the structure of emergency shelters in Richmond, including how people access them, the main providers and programs, the challenges the system faces, and ways the community can get involved.

List of Emergency Homeless Shelters in Richmond VA

CARITAS

CARITAS operates one of Richmond’s largest emergency shelters. It can accommodate approximately 110 people per night and serves more than 1,000 people annually.

It primarily focuses on single women (providing over 90% of the region’s beds for this demographic) and also serves single adult men.

The program combines shelter with case management, helping clients develop a Housing Stabilization Plan to overcome obstacles and move toward self-sufficiency.

Salvation Army Central Virginia Area Command Shelter at 1900 Chamberlayne Ave.

At 1900 Chamberlayne Ave. in Richmond, the Salvation Army operates a permanent 50-bed shelter for single adult men.

An Inclement Weather Shelter (IWS) operates generally from November 15 to April 15 for single adults (men and women) with first-come, first-served access overnight, both in winter and summer.

Access to these shelters is through a coordinated entry system (via the Homeless Connection Line) rather than walk-ins (for the year-round men’s shelter).

Family Shelter – Home Again

The City of Richmond has funded a 50-bed, year-round shelter for families of all types, operated by Home Again at 7 North 2nd Street.

This benefits a key population (families) who often face different barriers than single adults.

What do homeless shelters in Richmond, Virginia, offer?

Emergency shelters for the homeless in Richmond, Virginia, offer more than just a safe place to sleep: they serve as vital support centers for individuals and families facing housing instability. Below is an overview of what most shelters in the Richmond area typically offer:

Safe Temporary Housing

All emergency shelters in Richmond provide a clean and safe environment for homeless individuals and families. Depending on the facility, stays can range from overnight stays to extended stays in an emergency shelter for several weeks.

Meals and Basic Needs

Most shelters provide:

• Hot dinners and breakfast every day.
• Access to showers, clean linens, hygiene kits, and laundry facilities.
• Some shelters offer snacks or lunch depending on available donations or volunteer support.

This ensures that guests can meet their basic needs while working toward stable housing.

Case Management and Housing Support

Shelters in Richmond connect residents with case managers who help them create a Housing Stabilization Plan. Programs like CARITAS and Home Again place a strong emphasis on helping guests transition from shelter to stable housing.

Employment and Life Skills Programs

Many shelters in Richmond aim to help guests regain their independence through job readiness and resume-building workshops, job referrals, training programs, and support in financial literacy and budgeting.

CARITAS, for example, offers job training programs in furniture repair and other trades to help people re-enter the workforce.

Shelters for Adverse Weather Conditions

During extreme heat or cold spells, the City of Richmond activates temporary shelters for adverse weather conditions, often coordinated by The Salvation Army and partner organizations.

How to Find Emergency Shelters for the Homeless in Richmond, Virginia

Step 1: Use the Regional Hotline

The primary access point to shelters in the Richmond region is the Homeless Hotline (HCL), operated by Homeward.

Call (804) 972-0813 if you are experiencing homelessness or are within 3 days of becoming homeless. The HCL will help determine what type of shelter or housing support you are eligible for and will place you in the referral system or on the waiting list.

Step 2: Visit or call specialized shelters after referral

Once you contact the HCL, they will refer you to specific providers based on your situation (single adult, single adult with children, family, veteran, etc.).

Step 3: Locate special or weather-related shelters

In cases of extreme heat or cold, the city operates special shelters. At 1900 Chamberlayne Ave, there is a walk-up homeless shelter (it opens when temperatures reach certain thresholds). They may have slightly different access rules (first-come, first-served) and fewer case management services, so contact them in advance if possible.

Tips & things to know before applying for Homeless Shelters

• Have your ID or as many personal documents as possible (ID, Social Security number, benefits letters) on hand; this will make it easier to manage your case.

• Be honest about your situation so they can place you in the right shelter (adult, family, or veteran).

• Arrive early if it’s a walk-in shelter or for inclement weather; beds fill up quickly.

• Keep in mind that many shelters operate by referral, not just walk-ins; calling the Homeless Helpline (HCL) is essential.

• If you’re told to call the HCL when you arrive at a shelter, that’s normal; it’s the regional procedure.

• Ask about the rules (curfew, no pets allowed, sobriety requirements) to choose the right shelter.

• Keep your cell phone or a way to be contacted (or communicate regularly) while you wait on the waiting list.

Conclusion

Emergency shelters for the homeless in Richmond are vital safety nets for individuals and families facing housing crises. While significant progress has been made in coordinating services and expanding shelter capacity, challenges related to accessibility, resource constraints, and long-term stability remain. Through continued community engagement, effective referral systems, and a focus on both immediate assistance and prevention, Richmond’s network of shelters and services provides critical support and a pathway to housing stability.