Get The Facts

Homeward is our region’s data-driven authority on homelessness and a national leader on homelessness research and data analysis. Our team relies on both qualitative and quantitative research that includes extensive interviews with individuals experiencing homelessness to learn about their needs. This research is crucial to facilitate coordination that ensures successful planning and a collaborative homeless services system throughout the Richmond region. 


Homeward produces regular and accurate local data based on the lived experiences of our most vulnerable neighbors. Highlights from our most-requested data is below.

Data Dashboard

2,996

of people we served were 55 or older (2022)

6,810

Number of people served by coordinated entry programs and services  (2022)

3,056

People accessed programs or services that prevented homelessness (2022)

2,107

People served by emergency shelter programs (2022)

Infographics

Homelessness in the Greater Richmond Region

On any given day, there are approximately 699 sheltered and unsheltered men, women, and children living, working, and learning in our community.

  • Did You Know That There Is An Official Definition Of Homelessness?

    The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines an individual who is homeless as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and includes those who are living in a shelter or a place not fit for human habitation (for example, a bench, a car, the sidewalk, or under a bridge), as well as people fleeing domestic violence and/or human trafficking when no subsequent residence has been indentified. 


    This formal and official guideline for an individual experiencing homeless does not include the following situations:

    • Those staying with family or friends
    • Those living in a motel
    • Those living in crowded or substandard conditions
  • Who Does Homelessness Affect?

    Individuals experiencing homelessness represent all parts of society and often include our most vulnerable neighbors, such as:

    • Individuals who have served in the military
    • Men and women suffering severe mental or physical illness or chronic substance abuse
    • Those fleeing domestic violence and human trafficking
    • Families with minor children
    • Youth who are LGBTQ, pregnant, or experiencing abuse
    • Older adults
    • People with disabilities
    • People earning wages that don't cover the cost of rent

  • What Leads To Homelessness?

    There are many factors that can lead to someone experiencing homelessness. As with everyone, no two stories are identical. That’s why we believe it’s important to treat everyone with compassion and dignity. Some of the most common causes associated with experiencing homelessness are:

    • Unemployment and underemployment
    • Lack of available and accessible housing for low-income earners
    • Unexpected event (i.e. loss of a job, injury, illness or the loss of a spouse)
    • Weak social or economic support systems
    • Chronic physical/mental health problems

  • Why Does Homelessness Still Exist?

    If you see someone on the street, that doesn’t mean they haven’t been offered help. Homelessness is a complex issue and it’s crucial that we respect the dignity, voice, and choice of all individuals. Sometimes individuals decline assistance, but our system continues to offer support and resources. We are committed to serving our neighbors experiencing homelessness and never stop asking if they want help. As a community, we must continue to provide support for all our neighbors, which includes both offering homeless services and working to address the larger systems and structures that result in individuals experiencing homelessness.

  • What Struggles Do People Experiencing Homelessness Face In The Richmond Region?

    • Lack of affordable housing: Fair Market Rent of a 2-bedroom apt is $1,163, a person needs full-time work at $20.18/hour to be affordable.
    • Shortage of affordable housing: The apartment vacancy rate in Richmond City dropped from the 2020 rate of 5.7% to the 2021 rate of 2.1%.
    • Inadequate Income: Between 2014-18, the median household income in Richmond City was $45,117- approximately 50% of households did not earn more than 3x the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($41,868).
    • Foreclosure and eviction: the Greater Richmond region has one of the highest eviction rates in the country, with the City of Richmond’s eviction rate (11.4%) ranking second among large cities in the country.
    • Poverty: people experiencing homelessness in the Richmond region tend to have incomes between 0-30% of the adjusted median income, making accessing stable housing even more difficult.
    • Racial Inequity and Discrimination: Black individuals have been and are currently disproportionately represented in regional counts of individuals experiencing homelessness. 
  • Want to Learn More About the Causes of Homelessness and Barriers to Housing?

  • More Questions?

    We've got answers! 

    Check out our Frequently Asked Questions

Share by: