Temperatures across Central Virginia are expected to plummet beginning Friday, with lows possibly in the single digits. In response, the city has extended hours for its temporary shelters through the weekend. Commonwealth Catholic Charities has also opened a temporary shelter through the beginning of January for people who are unhoused.
CCC’s short-term shelter opened Thursday at 1900 Chamberlayne Ave. in Northside and will stay open through Jan. 5. Initially, CCC pledged to provide beds for 30 people, though up to 60 beds could be available next week, according to a press release. Due to capacity constraints, it will only accept referrals from the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care street outreach team.
According to a press release from the Department of Emergency Communications, the city of Richmond’s temporary shelters for inclement weather will be open 24 hours from Thursday through Dec. 26. Both are located in Southside: 1901 Wall St. (United Nations Church) for men and 2807 Hull St. (RVA Sisters Keeper) for women and children. The DEC release also states next week’s weather conditions will determine the shelters’ operating hours.
The city of Richmond’s two operational inclement weather shelters are generally open overnight when the weather is below 40 degrees, but plans to open more have repeatedly been delayed.
Inclement weather shelters
- 1900 Chamberlayne Ave.: Commonwealth Catholic Charities-run, by GRCoC referral only, 24 hours through Jan. 5.
- 1901 Wall St., United Nations Church: City-run, men only, 24 hours through Dec. 26
- 2807 Hull St., RVA Sisters Keeper: City-run, women and children only, 24 hours through Dec. 26
Other resources
- 804-972-0813: Greater Richmond Continuum of Care
- 911: Emergency services, call or text
- 988: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- 741741: Crisis Text Line, text “TALK”
- 1-866-366-4357: Dominion Energy for reporting power outages and live wires
- 804-646-4646, option 1: Richmond DPU for reporting gas and water utility emergencies, raw sewage backups and downed streetlight poles
- 804-646-5100: Richmond Police Department nonemergency line
- 311, RVA311.com, RVA311 app ( Android, iOS)
