Addressing Homelessness: Keys to Helping More People
Kelly King Horne • February 14, 2024
This post is part of a series that explores the ways in which the Richmond region addresses homelessness and provides context on how our collaborative and regional network operates. You can access other posts in this series on Access Versus Resources, Funding by The Numbers, and Supporting Frontline Staff.
We cannot give people what we do not have.
The HCL cannot provide immediate relief if that immediate relief does not exist. The HCL cannot solve the decades of underinvestment in housing that is affordable for people with children, persons with disabilities, and older adults finding themselves without options for safe and decent housing, and many others.
So, what will help move the needle in addressing homelessness in our region?
- Support existing GRCoC homeless assistance programs.
- Advocate for increasing local public sector investments to support year-round and seasonal shelter programs.
- Share your concerns with legislators working now at the General Assembly to pilot rental assistance programs to support families with children.
In honor of Social Work Month, we're highlighting Homeward's Coalition Support Intern and current MSW student, Ainsley Miller. We asked her about the connections she sees between social work and homeless services.
Homeward today released data from the January 2025 Point in Time (PIT) count, which shows that a significant number of individuals and families continue to experience homelessness in the Richmond region. Lack of housing and economic hardship remain persistent challenges and driving factors for the elevated rates of homelessness in Central Virginia. Additionally, it’s important to note that these numbers do not capture other regional residents who are unstably housed or worried about maintaining a roof over their head.
As the designated planning agency for the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care, our region’s coordinated network of homeless service providers, Homeward works closely with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). We have been following recent developments related to federal funding for homeless programs. We are collaborating with local, state, and national partners to assess the implications for the people served by the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care and to ensure that there are no further disruptions to support proven solutions to homelessness in our region. Federal funding from HUD has been critical to our local network’s ability to help thousands of regional residents get on the pathway to a permanent home. This person-centered and compassionate work has tangible impacts in our communities. We will continue to monitor this situation closely, update our partners, and support this important work. To learn more about the vital role of HUD funding and its impact in our region, read this recent blog post .
Amount Includes Over $1.5 Million in New Project Funds
The holidays are a time of joy, gratitude, and celebration. It is also a time that the reality of homelessness becomes more visible, standing in sharp contrast to the season's twinkling lights and jolly tunes. Many of us are inspired to reflect on our blessings and find ways to support our more vulnerable neighbors, whether that be with our time or our resources. Here are just a few ways you can help this holiday season:
The Greater Richmond Continuum of Care (GRCoC) – our region’s compassionate and coordinated network of 34 local, mission-driven agencies addressing homelessness – recently submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) the regional coordinated application for federal funding. This application is important to our area because federal funding from HUD accounts for the majority of public dollars allocated for homeless services.
Homeward's Executive Director, Kelly King Horne, was recognized earlier this month by the Chesterfield Education Foundation as an outstanding alumna of Chesterfield County Public Schools.
As more and more people in our region face housing instability and are pushed into homelessness, the demand for homeless services is higher than ever before.
New Taskforce to Address Unsheltered Homelessness in Region to Launch
July 1st marked the beginning of a new fiscal year for the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care (GRCoC) and Homeward. New and existing resources that support proven solutions to homelessness will be deployed over the next 12 months to serve our region’s most vulnerable neighbors.
