From city shelters to a couple’s home: How Richmond is keeping people warm

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — 8News is offering clarity on how the city of Richmond’s warming stations work as frigid temperatures stick around and residents brace for another winter storm.

According to Richmond city officials, Extreme Weather Warming Centers operate 24 hours a day.

The Richmond Main Library, which is located at 100 E. Franklin St., functions as the designated daytime warming center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Linwood Robinson Senior Center, located at 700 N. 26th St., is the designated overnight warming center from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.

These warming centers provide a safe space for guests to warm up with snacks, drinks and restrooms.

Henrico County opens libraries as warming centers amid cold weather

The city has also reopened its temporary emergency shelter, located at Southside Community Center at 6255 Old Warwick Rd., after announcing the deactivation of the facility on Wednesday, Jan. 28.

Richmond reopens emergency shelter ahead of winter storm after deactivation

The city provides transportation services from the Main Library to its overnight and emergency shelter locations. In addition, the Greater Richmond Transit Authority (GRTC) follows several routes near the library and inclement weather shelters.

On 3415 Decatur St., the independent organization “Southside Caring Hearts” has its doors open for the homeless and those needing a place to stay.

Co-founder Carol Williams and her husband George Williams started the center in 2023 in their own home, helping hundreds in the area. The couple knows first-hand what it’s like to struggle during extreme weather conditions.

“We’ve been homeless before,” Williams said. “We just want to help people. We want them to know we know what it feels like to be out there, to be cold. We don't want to see anybody lose their lives to this weather.”

The 24-hour, seven days a week center includes resources like food, blankets, coats, gloves and handwarmers.

“We have seven people that are staying with us overnight each night,” Williams said. “We don't close our doors. Anybody who needs that, we will let them come in and get warm.”

Williams said the center also provides travel to the city’s three locations if her home is at full capacity.