In an effort to address Richmond’s emergency housing needs during the COVID-19 outbreak, Mayor Levar Stoney announced Tuesday that $5.8 million in local and federal funding will soon be available.
The city will allocate $300,000 to Homeward, a local nonprofit which operates as part of a regional effort to reduce homelessness under the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funds will be used to increase the number of emergency shelter beds, and to offer supportive services to those experiencing homelessness during this time. An additional $250,000 will be disbursed to Housing Opportunities Made Equal to maintain the city’s Eviction Diversion Program.
The city will distribute $5,229,953 in federal and city funds to qualifying organizations for the purpose of creating permanent supportive housing solutions for Richmonders experiencing housing insecurity both during and after the pandemic.
“We must not only implement short-term solutions, but plan for long-term permanent housing solutions as well,” Stoney said in a press release. “Caring for our most vulnerable residents will always remain a high priority.”
Federal funds made possible by the cares act include $4,229,953 in grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, including:
- $2,683,549 in Community Development Block Grants;
- $1,351,959 in Emergency Solutions Grants; and
- $194,445 in Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS funds
The remaining $1,000,000 will come from the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and is subject to City Council’s approval. Local relief organizations, and the public housing authority, can apply for the funds through the city.
City officials urge Richmonders in need of assistance to reach out to these local resources:
- Eviction Diversion Program: Eviction Helpline, 1-833-663-8428
- Homeward and the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care: Homeless Crisis Line, 1-804-972-0813
- Family Crisis Fund: Call 804-646-6464 or visit https://www.rvastrong.org/i-need-income-support
