Today the city held a public meeting with residents currently living outdoors on property owned by Virginia Commonwealth University adjacent to the city’s Cold Weather Overflow Shelter.
These are some of the most vulnerable members of our community. We are working with the full continuum of Richmond’s non-profit, faith-based, homelessness and social service providers to support this community and to work with each resident individually to address their unique challenges and circumstances.
While we have significant concerns for the health and safety of those living in the encampment, until a longer term solution is identified, we will work closely with these service providers to have a presence, on-site, at the Cold Weather Overflow Shelter so we can help connect those currently living there with available resources and more stable housing as quickly as possible.
We firmly believe housing is a right, not a privilege. The city’s Homeless Strategic Plan (click here to access the presentation and report) will guide our path as we work with community stakeholders and members of City Council to find long-term solutions to homelessness in our city – from creating more shelter beds to providing healthy, safe and sustainable housing. We can and must do more.
Mayor Levar M. Stoney
Councilwoman Ellen Robertson
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