City develops volunteer roster to enhance homeless services partnerships

The Richmond City Education and Human Services Meeting held on July 10, 2025, focused on enhancing support for the homeless population through improved volunteer coordination and partnerships. City officials discussed the establishment of a comprehensive roster of volunteers and stakeholders, including organizations like the Medical Reserve Corps and the American Red Cross, which have proven invaluable in past initiatives.

A significant point of discussion was the need to identify and catalog all entities working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness. This includes churches with outreach programs and nonprofit agencies, such as Axe, that serve this vulnerable population. The city recognizes this as both a deficit and an opportunity to strengthen its response to homelessness.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the recent formation of the Office of Homeless Services (OHS), which aims to clarify roles and responsibilities among city officials and departments involved in homeless services. An organizational chart was shared to provide transparency about the structure and functions of the OHS. The city is set to welcome a new homeless services manager on July 28, which is seen as a positive step forward.

City officials also emphasized the importance of collaboration across various departments, including the Department of Aging and Disability and the Department of Veterans Services, to enhance service delivery. Regular meetings with outreach resources are planned to ensure a coordinated approach to addressing homelessness.

As the city moves forward, the next steps will involve reconvening with stakeholders in August to further refine roles and responsibilities and to discuss ongoing partnerships. The meeting underscored Richmond's commitment to building a robust support system for its homeless population, aiming for a more integrated and effective response in the coming fiscal year.