Shelter Plan

The City of Richmond works to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with safe shelter and services all year round. A range of shelter options with different activation protocols makes it possible for the City and its partners to also meet needs throughout extreme temperatures and emergency events.

Are you currently in need of shelter?

The Greater Richmond Continuum of Care Homeless Connection Line ( 804-972-0813 ) helps to connect individuals to shelter, outreach, and supportive resources.

Where is it located?

1900 Chamberlayne Parkway, Richmond VA, 23222 [Entrance via side alley]

When is it activated?

This shelter is open every night from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. November 15 through April 15. Those hours may be extended when temperatures are at or below 40 degrees or when there is freezing rain or snow greater than 1 inch over a 24-hour period.

Who does it serve?

Single adult men and single adult women; not a family shelter.

What resources does it provide?

Heated indoor space, restrooms, sleeping cots, seating, light snacks and beverages, meals, ADA-accessible areas, hygiene kits and onsite security.

Where is it located?

2220 Stockton Street, Richmond, VA 23224 - Note that this is NOT a walk-up shelter.

How is it accessed?

The Surge Shelter is not a walk-up shelter. Individuals in need of shelter during the winter should go to the Inclement Weather Shelter (IWS) at 1900 Chamberlayne Ave in Richmond. If the Surge Shelter is operating, transportation will be provided from the IWS to the Surge Shelter.

When is it activated?

The Surge shelter is activated when the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter has reached capacity and when the temperature is below 40 degrees.

The City Emergency Shelter is activated only during extraordinary circumstances like extreme weather, serious impacts to city infrastructure, and threats to shelter capacity.

Key indicators that are considered regarding the decision to open a City Emergency Shelter include, but are not limited to:

Current weather forecast, including temperature, wind chill and precipitation amount;

If there is a current threat to city infrastructure, such as neighborhoods and congregate setting being without power, water or falling trees; and

Current shelter capacity at the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter and the CARITAS Surge Shelter.

What happens when a City Emergency Shelter opens?

Every activation of the City Emergency Shelter includes the following:

Staff from the City’s Departments of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities and Social Services prepare, operate, maintain, and clean the City Emergency Shelter. City staff remain onsite 24-hours a day to ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming environment.

The City Emergency Shelter offers cots for sleeping, restrooms, and three full meals (dinner, lunch and breakfast).

If necessary, City staff source four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles ahead of inclement weather and deliver food and supplies throughout the shelter’s operation.

Department of Social Services staff coordinate with GRTC to provide transportation from the Warming Center at the Main Library , the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter , and the CARITAS Surge Shelter to the City Emergency Shelter.

The Richmond and Henrico Health District provides on-site nurses to conduct intake assessments.

The Richmond Behavioral Health Authority’s Crisis Team is on call to provide support and come on site if any guests need additional support.

Security is provided by the Richmond Sheriff’s Office .

Richmond Animal Care and Control is available to board pets for guests and for City staff as necessary.

Department of Neighborhood and Community services coordinates housing resources and connection to warm clothing and hygiene kits.

What happens when the City Emergency Shelter deactivates?

GRTC provides transportation to the Warming Center. All guests are given information about shelter options and availability before leaving the City Emergency Shelter, along with a small selection of supplies and snacks.

A 50-bed year-round men's shelter is located at the Salvation Army on 1900 Chamberlayne Ave, Richmond, VA 23222.

Access to the shelter is facilitated through Homeward's Homeless Connection Line. Men in need may contact 804-972-0813 to seek shelter and access to services and resources. This is the primary access point for the region's network of homeless services and emergency homeless shelters.

Partner agencies can direct families to the Community Resource & Training Center (CRTC)

Phone: 804-646-3111

Location: 1900 Chamberlayne Parkway, Richmond, VA 23222

When are they activated?

During extraordinary weather like frigid temperatures or freezing wind chill as defined by winter weather advisories at the National Weather Service.

Where are they located?

The Main Library (201 E. Franklin St.) functions as the designated daytime Warming Center between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.during regular business hours and the Linwood Robinson Center (700 N. 26th Street) is the designated overnight Warming Center from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.

All Richmond Public Library branches serve as warming spaces during their standard business hours.

What resources do they provide?

Warming Centers provide a safe space for guests to warm up and access to restrooms. Overnight Warming Centers offer snacks and drinks.