RICHMOND, Va. — 2025 has brought with it an active winter weather season and with temperatures this week expected to be the lowest felt so far this season the Salvation Army’s city sponsored Inclement Weather Shelter on Chamberlayne Avenue is temporarily adjusting its hours to a 24 hours of operation.
Executive Director of Program services Stephen Batsche says the location has remained at capacity since the Richmond City Leaders made the announcement over the weekend.
“Because of the low low temperatures that will persist throughout the day the Salvation Army inclement weather shelter on Chamberlayne Avenue remains opened on a 24-hour basis,” Batsche said. “When we’re opened 24-hours a day we can accept new shelter guests at any point during the day or night.”
Watch: Advocates raise concerns about Richmond's homeless population as temperatures drop below freezing
During the week Batsche says those staying at the shelter will be provided up to three hot meals a day in addition to snacks during the day or evening.
Spots for those already at the shelter can also be saved for a limited amount of time so that they can take breaks outside or run quick errands.
But despite the increased hours of operation, the shelters 100 max capacity consisting of 66 Men and 40 women hasn’t.
It’s still first come first serve so whether you call it’s whoever shows up first at the door,” Batsche said.
Though the Chamberlayne location is almost always at capacity, measures have been taken to handle overflow. Sarah Tenner with Daily Planet Health Services says the nonprofit has taken the lead to ensure more people aren’t left out in the cold.
“We are actively partnering with the city of Richmond right now to staff the overflow shelter right here on 900 Marshal Street,” Tenner said. “Whether it’s tonight or tomorrow we do expect we anticipate hitting that capacity of around 50-60 individuals especially as safety net providers and partners open up tomorrow after the holiday.”
Tunner says the Marshal Street 24 hour overflow shelter is available to men, women, and children and will be assisted by the Daily Planet’s board members and nonprofit staff through Wednesday until the Richmond will resumes operations by Thursday as temperatures become less severe.
Until that time Tunner says the risk to vulnerable are great and emphasizes the importance of ensuring the city’s most vulnerable populations aren’t left without.
“We’ve already seen a lot of situations of frostbites in our medical clinics and that has resulted in amputation of limbs for some of our patience already this season,” Tunner said. “We want to try to get people out of the cold as much as possible.”
“We know from the science that even temperatures below just 40 degrees, people can experience hypothermia and put lives at risk,” Batsche said. “That’s why we got through these extra efforts as a community.
Those who are in need and are looking to take advantage of the homelessness services offered through the city can do so by calling the Homeless Connection Line at 804-972-0813. Additional resources can by found at https://www.rva.gov/human-services/homeless-services
CBS 6 is committed to sharing community voices on this important topic. Email your thoughts to the CBS 6 Newsroom.
📲: CONNECT WITH US
Blue Sky| Facebook| Instagram| X| Threads| TikTok| YouTube
