Commonwealth Catholic Charities (CCC) will open a short-term emergency shelter for unhoused individuals in Richmond from December 22 through January 5. Located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue, the shelter will provide a warm overnight space for up to 30 individuals during the first week and possibly up to 60 individuals during the second week. At this time, the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care’s (GRCoC) Coordinated Street Outreach team will make referrals to the shelter.
“Sadly, despite our best efforts, we have yet to secure a contract with the City of Richmond to operate its inclement weather shelter,” said Jay Brown, CCC CEO. “With cold weather and freezing temperatures upon us, we have decided to push ahead with the shelter so that we can care for our most vulnerable neighbors this Christmas.”
Without City resources, other community partners have stepped in to open the emergency shelter.
“This solution is possible because of the passion and support of our community and community partners,” said Brown. “We are especially grateful to the generous donors of the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond who have supplied the funding to run the shelter, and to our partner agencies within the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care— especially The Salvation Army and Homeward—for their logistical support."
In October, the City of Richmond announced plans to open four emergency shelters at locations throughout the city, although currently, only two are operational.
Community members can support this critical and life-saving service by donating today at www.cccofva.org/donate.