Richmond, VA, offers a network of emergency shelters and services for people experiencing homelessness, which includes city-run facilities, non-profit programs such as CARITAS, and faith-based organizations. The quickest way to make contact is through the Homeless Connection Line by calling (804) 972-0813, which coordinates shelter placements throughout the city.
To secure a spot in an emergency shelter in Richmond, Virginia, you must call the centralized Homeless Connection Line at (804) 972-0813. Local shelters do not accept walk-ins; this intake line manages all immediate placements based on bed availability.
Immediate Intake & Resource Hotlines
Homeless Connection Line: Call (804) 972-0813. This is the primary access point for regional emergency shelters. Intake hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and weekends, 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Housing Resource Line: Call (804) 422-5061 if you are not yet homeless but need emergency assistance with rent, utilities, or maintaining your current housing.
National Homeless Veterans Line: Call (877) 424-3838 to receive specialized housing support for veterans, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Central Emergency Shelters (Referral Only)
Once you complete your intake call, you may be assigned to one of the following major regional shelter systems:
CARITAS Emergency Shelters
To access CARITAS Emergency Shelters in Richmond, Virginia, you must obtain a referral by calling the Homeless Connection Line at (804) 972-0813. CARITAS operates the largest emergency shelter system in the region, but it does not accept walk-ins or self-referrals at its physical facilities.
Intake and Contact Numbers
Shelter Referral Hotline: Call (804) 972-0813. This centralized intake line manages the allocation of all available shelter beds throughout the city.
CARITAS General Information Line: Call (804) 358-0964 or email shelter@caritasva.org for administrative inquiries regarding existing cases.
Overview of CARITAS Emergency Facilities
Once you have been formally approved and referred by the admissions hotline, you will be assigned to one of their primary “low-barrier” locations:
CARITAS Emergency Shelter for Men: Located at 700 Dinwiddie Ave, Richmond, VA 23224. This 24-hour facility offers 36 low-barrier beds and intensive, in-person case management aimed at securing long-term housing solutions.
CARITAS Emergency Shelter for Women: Located within the main CARITAS Center at 2220 Stockton St, Richmond, VA 23224. This 28-bed program is the region’s primary shelter provider for unaccompanied women and operates 24 hours a day.
The Salvation Army Area Command
To access emergency shelter through The Salvation Army Central Virginia Area Command in Richmond, you must call the Homeless Connection Line at (804) 972-0813. They do not accept walk-in admissions at any of their physical shelter locations; all bed assignments must be arranged through this centralized system.
Contact Numbers
Shelter Placement and Referrals: Call (804) 972-0813. Admission lines are open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and weekends from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Area Command Administration: Call (804) 225-7470 for administrative inquiries (unrelated to admissions), family case management services, or information regarding existing cases.
On-Site Support Services
Once admitted to a regular shelter program, residents gain access to comprehensive stabilization resources:
Housing Case Management: Dedicated specialists help you identify and overcome obstacles to securing permanent housing.
Employment Assistance: On-site support for job searching, application submission, and job placement.
Life Skills Development: Weekly classes (mandatory or voluntary) covering financial management, personal responsibility, and independent living.
Psychological Support and Counseling: Access to addiction recovery programs and mental health service networks.
Salvation Army Shelter Facilities
Based on your household’s needs and the details of your referral, you will be assigned to one of their designated properties:
Grace Street Shelter (Main Campus)
Located at 2 W Grace St, Richmond, VA 23220. This center, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, operates through two distinct tracks:
Shelter for Single Men: Offers emergency accommodation, breakfast, and dinner.
Emergency Shelter for Families: Accommodation exclusively for families with children. It includes an on-site Children’s Resource Center where minors can learn and play.
Chamberlayne Avenue Shelter
Located at 1900 Chamberlayne Ave, Richmond, VA 23222. This facility provides year-round emergency shelter beds, strictly for single men.
HomeAgain Shelters
Founded in 1979, HomeAgain is one of Richmond’s oldest organizations dedicated to assisting families and individuals experiencing homelessness. Through emergency shelters and community housing programs, HomeAgain provides essential tools to help neighbors facing housing crises secure and maintain stable homes.
The organization operates two emergency shelters serving individuals, veterans, and families, with an emphasis on providing a supportive environment for residents. With a strong commitment to community engagement, HomeAgain welcomes volunteers who wish to contribute their skills and passion to ensure a smooth transition for residents into permanent housing.
It operates regional emergency shelter solutions available year-round.
Family Shelter: With a capacity of 50 beds, located at 7 North 2nd Street, to accommodate families of any composition.
Espigh Family Shelter: Emergency shelter space exclusively for single women and mothers with children.
Day Centers and Street Support
If you need immediate daytime resources while awaiting a bed assignment, you may visit these direct-service centers (no appointment required):
Commonwealth Catholic Charities Housing Resource Center
The Commonwealth Catholic Charities (CCC) Housing Resource Center in Richmond, Virginia, operates as a comprehensive daytime resource center, not as an overnight shelter. Located at 809 Oliver Hill Way, Richmond, VA 23219, its primary objective is to provide a safe, open-access environment and to connect individuals experiencing housing crises with long-term stabilization services.
Hours of Operation and Contact Information
Operating Hours: Open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The center closes daily from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Walk-in Hours: Appointments are not required to access basic guidance services during direct service periods, which take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Direct Center Phone: Call (804) 648-4177. Overnight Shelter Crisis Line: If you are currently sleeping outdoors or in a vehicle, or if you are fewer than three days away from losing your housing, you should bypass the day center and call the Regional Homeless Connection Line at (804) 972-0813 to obtain an immediate bed placement at an overnight shelter.
On-site Daytime Services
Anyone experiencing homelessness or severe housing insecurity may access the physical space to utilize basic provisions:
Immediate Basic Needs: Provides clean restrooms, safe areas to rest during the day, charging stations for phones and devices, and basic personal hygiene items. Supplies: Distributes food and clothing through its food pantries and clothing closets, subject to seasonal availability.
The Youth Hub: A specialized service channel, integrated directly into this location and designed specifically to meet the needs of homeless young adults.
Moments of Hope Outreach (MoHope Center)
The Moments of Hope Outreach Resource Center (MoHope Center) in Richmond, Virginia, is a specialized, drop-in day facility located at 2908 Chamberlayne Ave, Richmond, VA 23222. It functions as an essential day center, providing vital emergency supplies, direct survival resources, and guidance on local services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Center Hours and Key Contact Information
Resource Center Hours: Open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The center is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Direct Center Phone: Call (804) 584-7380. Direct Center Email: Contact info@mo-hope.org.
On-Site Survival Supplies & Services
The MoHope Resource Center serves as a welcoming and safe space where anyone experiencing homelessness can turn to receive direct material support:
Emergency Outdoor Supplies: Staff distribute life-saving weather protection gear—including tents, tarps, sleeping bags, blankets, and winter coats—all free of charge.
Basic Necessities: On-site access to bottled water, emergency food rations, and basic personal hygiene items.
Resource Navigation: Case managers assist visitors in navigating regional social service networks, checking for shelter bed availability, and accessing assistance with obtaining personal identification documents.
Emergency Motel Voucher Program
Moments of Hope Outreach operates as an unofficial emergency safety net for the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care (GRCoC). When internal funding permits, they administer a highly targeted Non-Congregate Emergency Shelter Program:
Short-term emergency motel stays (typically up to 3 nights) for unsheltered individuals who are unable to access the region’s traditional shelters due to chronic overcrowding or closures outside of standard operating hours.
Weather-Activated Relief: Priority is given to stays during hazardous weather events—such as forecasts predicting winter nighttime temperatures below 40°F, or summer daytime temperatures exceeding 95°F.
Stays: Short, 2-night motel stays may also be coordinated for chronically homeless individuals who require a safe place to attend to their hygiene and rest.
City Community Resource Center
Located at 1900 Chamberlayne Ave. Navigators are available on-site to assist you in planning access to immediate social services and coordinating with eviction prevention networks.
Weather-Activated Shelter
Inclement Weather Shelter (IWS)
Located at 1900 Chamberlayne Ave. This emergency overnight shelter, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis, opens automatically from November 15 through April 15 (5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.). Outside of that season, the City activates the opening of this facility on any day when temperatures reach 92°F or higher. The facility offers an indoor space with climate control (cooling/heating), cots, hygiene kits, dinner, and breakfast.
