Richmond, Henrico County extend CARITAS shelter contract due to winter weather

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The city of Richmond and Henrico County will extend the CARITAS shelter contract to provide additional capacity and support people experiencing homelessness amid winter weather.

In a press release on Wednesday, Feb. 4, city officials announced that both Richmond and Henrico will extend the contract with CARITAS, Richmond’s Inclement Weather Shelter, located on Chamberlayne Avenue and operated by the Salvation Army.

Considered the primary shelter in the city for those experiencing homelessness, city officials said the contract for CARITAS was finalized before the recent winter storms, expanding the number of contracted days from 30 to 60 days.

“The recent weather conditions highlight our need for quality shelter providers during inclement weather. Extending our contract with CARITAS affirms Richmond’s commitment to compassion and stability for our most vulnerable neighbors, especially in light of the recent extreme weather,” said Amy Popovich, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Human Services. “CARITAS has been a trusted partner in providing shelter, support, and pathways to long-term housing. This extension allows us to continue that work together; ensuring safety, dignity, and hope for individuals and families in need.”

The contract extension allows CARITAS to continue to provide additional capacity to support individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness amid the winter weather, per a release.

The city was previously under two separate states of emergency -- one in late January and another just days ago that has since been lifted.

The Surge Shelter provides additional capacity and space for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness when the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter is full, and the temperature falls below 40 -- temperatures our StormTracker8 team expects this upcoming weekend.

City officials said the Surge Shelter can be activated when those conditions are met between Dec. 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026.

“CARITAS is happy to continue our regional partnership for the Surge Shelter,” said Karen O’Brien, President and CEO of CARITAS. “The Surge Shelter has provided a warm, safe, and supportive space for our neighbors facing unsheltered homelessness during this harsh winter season. Our team is ready to continue serving the community and ensure that the Surge Shelter is ready when needed and activated.”

For more information about services for those experiencing homelessness in the city, visit the Office of Homeless Services' website.