Richmond Mayor Avula speaks on hot topics at City Hall

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Following some Richmonders' concerns regarding executive orders made by President Donald Trump, as well in the aftermath of the local water crisis, Richmond Mayor Danny Avula addressed a number of topics during a meeting with the press.

In the afternoon on Wednesday, Feb. 5, Avula held a Q-and-A session with members of the press.

Post-water crisis

The Family Crisis Fund, which assists eligible Richmond residents with recovery following the water crisis, closed to applicants on Monday, Feb. 3 after receiving over 2,200 applications. When asked if it would be reopened, Avula said it depends on incoming donations.

"As we see more money coming into the fund, then we'll do another round opening up if we have enough to meet some of those needs," Avula explained.

Avula said previously-submitted applications were continuing to be processed for eligibility.

Following the impact of the water crisis on the city's budget, Avula said that the city will begin "temporary position control standards" to limit hiring for only essential positions. These roles will run through the office of the interim Chief Administrative Officer, Sabrina Joy-Hogg.

Protest against Pres. Trump and Project 2025

On Wednesday, Richmond was one of many localities in which a protest was held, described on social media as being part of the "50 states, 50 protests, 1 day" movement against both Project 2025 and President Trump's policies.

This follows Pres. Trump's executive orders aimed at barring transgender athletes from women's sports and preventing hospitals from providing gender-affirming medication and surgeries including both Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health and Children's Hospital of Richmond, among others.

Regarding Richmond protestors, Avula said he empathized with their worries.

"I share their concerns," he said. "We've seen a lot of action already in the first few weeks of this administration that are a threat to LGBTQ residents, to immigrants, and this will likely continue. I don't see any signs of letting up. I know that protests are good, continuing to find out what legal action can be taken is good. But, at the end of the day, our job is to try to be as prepared as we can as a local government and a local community, to understand what federal funding streams and what federal directives might be on the horizon, and to try to anticipate what those impacts are."

Avula said a major piece of responding to federal measures implemented under the Trump administration is the partnerships between the city and its partners.

"To realize that local government, our nonprofit community, our philanthropic partners, we are all going to need to come together to meet some of the needs coming our way because of federal action," Avula said.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

When asked if he had heard of any verified sightings of ICE officers within the city, Avula said, "I have not heard any confirmations of ICE activity on the ground."

Avula also reiterated the sentiment of a post by the city on social media to confirm that the Richmond Police Department will not do the work of ICE.

"I want to reiterate that we, as the Richmond Police force, are not working in concert with ICE and we will not commit our police force to do the work of the federal agents," Avula said.

He added that residents with questions about their rights can call RVA311 or reach out to the city's Office of Immigration.

Further, Avula said he had asked federal partners to meet with city officials.

"We have asked our federal partners to meet with us, to even meet with the community to talk about what their process is going to be," Avula said.

Homeless crisis hotline

According to Richmond's housing website, once the city-sponsored Salvation Army Inclement Weather shelter fills up, folks experiencing homelessness must get referred to an emergency shelter by calling the Homeless Crisis Line at 804-972-0813 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline at 804-612-6126 "at any time," or by a coordinated outreach team member. 

In December, 8News called the Homeless Crisis line during open hours, and the call was not picked up. An automated message directed us to other resources, then said to leave a message that would be returned by the next day. Though the city describes the Domestic Violence Crisis line as open 24/7, 8News also called the line in December, and no one answered.

When asked about what the city can do to improve the lines after many reported being unable to get through to speak to someone, Avula said there's a clear need for the city to look into staffing and other measures further.

"We have been really focused on making sure we're meeting the acute need of, two weeks ago when we had that cold spell, opening up our overflow shelter, having partners in Henrico open up a secondary overflow shelter, but I think there's clearly a look that we need to do at the volume and the capacity of people to answer those calls," Avula said.

He added that he hopes to make more firm plans following the winter season.

"I think as soon as we get out of this winter season and can do more strategic, long-range planning with the continuum of care and with the entire region," he said.

Expansion of RVA311 service

Avula shared that RVA311, the way in which Richmond residents can seek connection to resources and programs, will be expanded.

He shared that the RVA311 line's hours have been extended from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and there are now weekend hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

There are now more agents to assist residents, and a callback feature is now available, according to Avula.