Adopting Shelter/Housing Justice

November 2025

WINTER SHELTER
Richmond is getting a new shelter for severe winter weather days.
Why it matters: The city has long faced limited shelter space during extreme cold, often leaving residents scrambling when beds quickly fill up.
Driving the news: CARITAS will operate the shelter at its South Richmond location on Stockton Street, starting Dec. 1, local leaders announced Wednesday.
How it works: The site activates once the Salvation Army’s shelter on Chamberlayne reaches capacity and temperatures drop below 40 degrees.
  • It’ll be able to house up to 60 people, but it’s not a walk-up shelter, said CARITAS president Karen O’Brien.
  • Those seeking warmth have to first go to the Chamberlayne shelter, and if it’s full, transportation will be provided to the CARITAS site.
  • The shelter will also connect people with housing resources and is hiring more staff to help run it.
Zoom out: The news marks a broader shift toward a more coordinated homelessness response among Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover — all of which had officials, including Mayor Avula, present at Wednesday’s announcement.
  • Avula noted that more than half of those counted in the region’s homelessness census listed their last address outside of Richmond.
  • CARITAS, a nonprofit, is the largest provider of shelter and recovery services in the region.

July 2025

TENANT ORGANIZING
Now is the time to start organizing for a better future. Housing affordability is crushing so many people in our community. There are active organizations working to change this (Legal Aid, New VA Majority, etc.). They need our help! Only with more people-power can they make real change. Come to a meeting to learn how this new group forming at First UU can organize and act to create more equity and justice in housing for Richmond. Come hear more after service at 11:15am on August 10th, 17th or 24th in the Conference Room.
January 2025
1) We have agreed to work with two organizations – Housing Families First and CARITAS. Both of these organizations have been recipient of Share the plate in the last 12 months.
2) We have other opportunities to help these organizations and the details are being worked out.
3) There are 12 First UU members who are supporting this effort.

4) This group organization meeting will be held on Fourth Sunday of each month.

Adopt A Homeless Shelter