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Richmond, VA - Local governments and homeless service providers across the Greater Richmond region are coordinating winter shelter operations for the 2026–2027 season to help protect individuals experiencing homelessness during cold weather. The regional response includes seasonal overnight shelter, additional surge capacity, warming centers during extreme cold weather, and emergency response for unhoused and at-risk families with minor children.
The winter shelter response is supported through partnerships among the City of Richmond, Henrico County, Chesterfield County, Hanover County, Homeward, The Salvation Army, CARITAS, GRTC and other regional homeless service providers. New this season, CARITAS will operate the extreme winter weather warming centers funded by the City of Richmond, strengthening coordination across the regional homeless services network.
Winter Shelter Operations
The regional winter shelter response includes three components for single adults:
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Inclement Weather Shelter (IWS): Operated by The Salvation Army at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue. The shelter will operate November 15, 2026, through April 15, 2027, from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily, accommodating up to 106 single adults. Any single adult seeking walk-up shelter should report to Salvation Army first, regardless of Surge Shelter activation. Transportation to Surge Shelter will be available if IWS is at capacity.
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Surge Shelter: Operated by CARITAS, the Surge will accommodate up to 70 individuals and will operate December 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, from 5pm-8am when activated. Surge capacity may be activated when IWS occupancy reaches 85 percent and temperatures are 40°F or below for two consecutive hours.
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Overnight Extreme Winter Weather Warming Center: Operated by CARITAS, the warming center will activate when the IWS and Surge shelters have reached capacity and overnight temperatures are forecasted to reach 20°F or below for two or more consecutive hours, or when other life-safety hazards warrant activation. The warming center at Marshall Plaza will accommodate up to 60 individuals and operates from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Operating hours for all three shelter programs may be extended as needed based on weather conditions, community needs, and public safety considerations, including 24-hour operations when warranted.
Shelter Access for Families
Families at risk of sleeping outside in Richmond should visit the Community Resource and Training Center (CRTC) at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
After 5 p.m. or on weekends or holidays, families should report to The Salvation Army at the same address, where staff will coordinate with the City of Richmond's Office of Homeless Services to assess needs and identify available resources, including temporary emergency placement.
Public Notifications and Transportation
Surge shelter and warming center activations, as well as extended operating hours for all shelter programs, will be announced through Richmond Ready Alerts and RVA311, including locations, operating hours, and access instructions.
To sign up for Richmond Ready Alerts follow this registration link. Once registered, select “Homeless Shelter Operations” as an alert subscription type you would like to receive.
The Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter is accessible by GRTC Route 1. Residents can visit ridegrtc.com for transportation information.
For additional information about winter shelter operations and available resources, visit the Office of Homeless Services webpage.
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