Richmond establishes new Office of Opioid and Substance Use Response with Anna Jones

The Richmond City Education and Human Services Meeting held on July 10, 2025, focused on critical initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness and substance use in the community. Key discussions included the establishment of the Office of Opioid and Substance Use Response and plans to enhance shelter capacity during extreme weather conditions.

The meeting began with an update on the new coordinator for the Office of Opioid and Substance Use Response, Anna Jones, who is set to start on Monday. Additionally, the city is installing naloxone vending machines to combat opioid overdoses, with further details expected soon.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing four primary goals related to homelessness. The first goal involved increasing bed capacity for individuals and families during inclement weather. Currently, the Salvation Army provides 106 beds, but due to extreme weather conditions experienced last winter, an additional 60 beds will be made available through a partnership with Caritas. This initiative, which requires $618,000 for staffing and support, aims to enhance the city's response to homelessness during severe weather.

Tiffany Ford, Director of the Neighborhood and Community Services Team, outlined additional goals, including the creation of a comprehensive roster of volunteers and stakeholders involved in homelessness services. This effort aims to strengthen partnerships with organizations such as the Medical Reserve Corps and the American Red Cross, which have proven valuable in past initiatives.

Another goal discussed was the need to clearly define roles and responsibilities for city officials and departments involved in homeless services. An organizational chart for the Office of Homeless Services was shared, and a new homeless services manager is set to begin work on July 28. This structure is intended to improve coordination among various city departments and enhance service delivery to those experiencing homelessness.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue building partnerships and evaluating their effectiveness in addressing homelessness. City officials emphasized the importance of feedback from partner organizations to ensure that services are meeting community needs effectively.

Overall, the meeting highlighted Richmond City's proactive approach to tackling homelessness and substance use, with a focus on collaboration and resource allocation to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.