Housing Advocacy Resources
On January 30, 2024, we held our first 5th Tuesday Conversation with Community Movers and Makers. Our topic was housing and our panelist included Vevlyn Wright, Dr. Carmen Foster, and Kelly King Horne. Vevlyn is a member of RISC and a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Carmen is a leadership consultant and trainer, and Kelly is executive director of Homeward. Kelly has forwarded the following resources for our readers. Please share with others and practice compassion. Let us all commit to humanity and work toward a beloved community.
Advocacy and engagement opportunities:
- Virginia Housing Alliance https://vahousingalliance.org/
- Housing Lobby Day at the General Assembly is Feb. 20, 2024; https://vahousingalliance.org/advocacy/state-policy-initiatives/
- National Alliance to End Homelessness: https://endhomelessness.org/help-end-homelessness/take-action/
- National Low Income Housing Coalition: https://nlihc.org/
- Volunteer and giving information: https://www.cfengage.org/
- Homeward’s newsletter: http://www.homewardva.org/news/e-newsletter
For people who might need assistance, here are some places to get started:
- The Homeless Connection Line for people within 3 days of losing their housing: https://hclrva.org/ and at 804-972-0813. [Mon – Fri 8am to 9pm; Sat and Sun from 1pm to 9pm]
- If you know of someone sleeping outside, please fill out this form to request a wellness check by an outreach worker: https://bit.ly/RVAOutreach
- Empowernet Hotline for those fleeing domestic violence, stalking, and human trafficking: 804-612-6126 (24/7; can call or text)
- Housing Resource Line (offered by the Partnership for Housing Affordability): https://pharva.com/housing-hotline/ and at 804-422-5061
- For older adults, Senior Connections at 804-343-3000
- For youth and young adults (18 – 24) facing homelessness: https://youthrva.org/
- More related services and information: https://hclrva.org/more-housing-resources
- United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg: https://www.yourunitedway.org/