The Richmond region coordinates entry into local shelters and housing programs through two primary intake points. This means that agencies across the region work together to ensure that services are well-coordinated and targeted to the needs of those who are most vulnerable. This also means that Housing Families First and other shelters cannot accept families and single adults directly into our programs — only through referrals. If you are homeless or within 3 days of homelessness, please contact the hotline below that best matches your needs.
Homeless Connection Line
HOMELESS CONNECTION LINE: THE FIRST POINT OF CONTACT FOR FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS FACING HOMELESSNESS THROUGHOUT THE REGION.
804-972-0813
Hours: 8:00 AM-9:00 PM, Monday-Friday; 1:00 PM-9:00 PM Saturday-Sunday
The Homeless Connection Line offers trained Diversion Specialists who can assist households within three days of losing their housing to problem-solve, connect to community resources, and connect to homeless assistance if needed.
If you don’t speak with a Diversion Specialist when you call, please leave a voicemail message. Most calls are answered or returned the same day and all messages are returned within one business day.
- Who should call the HCL?
- Only call the HCL if you are currently homeless or within three days of losing your current housing.
- What needs are served?
- The HCL has the resources and capabilities to assist callers who are currently within three days of losing their housing.
- What needs are not served?
- The HCL does not have the resources to assist those not currently or within three days of experiencing homelessness.
Bringing Families Home
Bringing Families Home works with students and their families in Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield who are precariously housed in overcrowded living situations or in hotels. This program allows us to extend our reach to families who are not literally homeless and help them move to permanent homes.
- Richmond Public Schools
- Center for Families in Transition (C-FIT)
- 804-780-6288
- Email C-FIT office: cfit@rvaschools.net
- RPS C-FIT Coordinator: Vanessa Johnson
- (804) 588-2114
- vjohnso2@rvaschools.net
- Community Partner Database: Here you’ll find a list of organizations that have a formal partnership agreement with RPS, as well as organizations that provide volunteers, donation, and other services for the benefit of RPS students.
- Center for Families in Transition (C-FIT)
- Henrico County Public Schools
- Henrico County Schools McKinney Vento Resource Guide
- Homeless Children and Youth: Henrico County Public Schools
- McKinney Vento Team
- Email: mvteam@henrico.k12.va.us
- Phone: 804-652-3282
- HCPS Homeless Education Liaison: Lisa Ann Abernathey
- Phone: 804-652-3682
- Email: lhabernathey@henrico.k12.va.us
- Chesterfield County students and their families
- CCPS McKinney-Vento Office
- Yasmin Acevedo – McKinney-Vento Support Specialist
- Phone: 804-639-8713
- Email: yasmin_acevedo@ccpsnet.net
- Yasmin Acevedo – McKinney-Vento Support Specialist
- Chesterfield County Public Schools
- Communities in Schools (CIS) of Chesterfield (if at least one student in the family attends school with CIS Chesterfield presence)
- Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services
Key Hunters
Key Hunters meetings offer tips to families and individuals experiencing a housing crisis in Metro Richmond.
Weekly Zoom meetings: Every Thursday from 6-6:45pm. (Zoom link will be provided when you email keyhunters@housingfamiliesfirst.org)
New in-person sessions are now available every Wednesday from 2:00-3:00pm at Commonwealth Catholic Charities, 809 Oliver Hill Way, Richmond, VA 23219.
Email keyhunters@housingfamiliesfirst.org to learn more.
Regional Domestic Violence Hotline
804-612-6126
Hours: 24 Hours/Day, 7 Days a Week
The Regional Domestic Violence Hotline assists individuals and households experiencing domestic violence with shelter, counseling, support groups, and legal assistance. Immediate shelter is typically provided for individuals and households in imminent danger based on a standard domestic violence assessment.
Housing Resource Line
804-422-5061
Hours: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, Monday-Friday
The HRL is a phone-based access point to connect individuals with a full spectrum of housing services, including but not limited to foreclosure prevention, legal aid, locating stable rental housing, home ownership resources, emergency funds assistance, and many more (excluding imminent homelessness, which continues to be served by the Homeless Connection Line). An online form is linked here.
VA Hotline
804-675-5000 ext 2041
The VA Hotline can be contacted directly at this number if you are a Veteran experiencing homelessness in the Greater Richmond area.
Other Helpful Resources
HOUSING LOCATOR
Visit Virginia Housing Development Authority for more information about affordable housing resources.
To find resources for other needs, including food, please visit Virginia 211 or call 2-1-1 toll-free from anywhere in the state.
Here is a current list of Richmond-area food pantries.
Visit gethelp.org for a list by zipcode of helpful resources. These resources include transportation help, food, clothing, employment, and more.
Are you concerned about someone sleeping outdoors? Outreach and support services are available for people living on the streets and in other public places. Complete this notification of an individual or family sleeping outdoors form to help. Please note that this survey is not conducted by Housing Families First, but by a collaborative team of local service organizations.
