Richmond leaders share update on city supporting residents during federal shutdown

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond Mayor Danny Avula and other city leaders provided an update Friday morning on the city's support of residents during the federal government shutdown.

A press conference was held by city leaders at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, in Richmond's Hillside Court neighborhood. The group also worked together to distribute food to residents provided in collaboration with Feed More and the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD).

Mayor Avula announced that the city, effective Saturday, Nov. 1, will not cut off utilities for those who don't pay due to financial issues, and the city will work with residents to create a payment plan. This will hold throughout the month.

The city will also suspend late fees on utilities for the month of November, Avula shared. Residents having difficulties paying their bills can call 804-626-5420 to sort out a payment plan and get connected with resources.

Avula expressed thanks to Feed More, which has ramped up operations exponentially to meet the needs of residents throughout the region. He also acknowledged Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA), the state-funded food program for those who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Avula also said that those with time and resources can donate food and money to Feed More.

FULL COVERAGE: 2025 Government Shutdown in Central Virginia

In addition to food assistance, Avula addressed housing, as the city is waiting on federal funds to support homeless services. The city is partnering with nearby counties and organizations to support residents experiencing homelessness.

Avula added that the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter has opened earlier than normal to assist.

He also said the city has begun partnering with CARITAS alongside regional partners, such as Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties, to support those experiencing homelessness in times of higher need by running a Surge Shelter.

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula speaks at a press conference on Friday, Nov. 7. (Photo: Howie Williams/8News)

RRHA CEO Steven Nesmith speaks at a press conference on Friday, Nov. 7. (Photo: Howie Williams/8News)

Patrice Shelton with Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) emphasized collaboration and communication among the city, neighboring counties and partner organizations during this time.

She also expressed gratitude and appreciation for community members in the Hillside Court area who have volunteered to hand out food and assist neighbors.

Nesmith urged the need for a resolution that returns the flow of funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which helps fund RRHA properties.

"It is critical that there is a resolution, an agreement in Washington, D.C. to this," Nesmith said. "For our public housing residents, we are happy to say that for the months of November and December, we do have funding, but it may cause some disruptions for [public housing residents] to continue to pay bills and for self-sufficiency."

Richmond Councilmember Ellen Robertson emphasized that hunger should not be an issue that city residents should face, and that a pause on federal food assistance is unthinkable.

"Hunger is not anything that we should have to deal with in this city," Robertson said. "And when we have a system that is willing to shut down access to food in Richmond, in this community, in the United States, we got a big problem."

Del. Mike Jones (D-Richmond) highlighted a Christian mandate, a community mandate and a government mandate that should hold power responsible for ensuring community members are fed.

Richmond City Public Schools (RPS) Superintendent Jason Kamras highlighted the RPS Love Market, which will be open on certain days throughout November for families in need at Clark Springs Elementary. Families who are in need can reach out to the school system to get connected with those services.

Following the conference, Avula highlighted the VENA program that will fill a short-term food assistance gap for Virginia families in need when he met with the press.

If SNAP funds begin flowing again in December, as he hopes, Avula said that housing would become an additional pressing issue, with federal dollars still in the air during the shutdown.

"The bigger concern will be housing, because we rely on a lot of federal money to support homeless services, homeless transitioning to permanent supportive housing," Avula said. "Our housing community has already identified a $4 million grant that's currently on hold because they can't get a hold of anybody at the federal government."

Avula explained that the $4 million grant breaks down to $400,000 for November, alone. He added that local governments and organizations are working together to meet short-term needs, but assistance from the federal government is needed.

"We do need the federal government," Avula said. "There's no way around the significant amount of federal dollars that come in to support needs in local communities."

Amidst current uncertainty, Avula acknowledged that the downstream effects of the housing gap, with more people possibly ending up without homes.

Richmonders can find more information about SNAP and other resources on the city's website.