Those living in shelters grateful to be housed after winter storm

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Central Virginia's winter storm has passed, but freezing temperatures remain -- making for a feeling of gratitude among some living in Richmond city shelters.

8News set out to speak with those living in shelters across the City amid the current climate and were met with two men who are part of the City's 50-bed Year Round Men’s Shelter at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue. They shared how they are currently feeling.

"Staying inside, drinking hot chocolate and counting my blessings," said Willie Gilliam with a big smile on his face.

Another gentleman, who wished to remain anonymous, told 8News that, while the shelter has its limitations, it could be much worse.

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"The one way that I learned to deal with [being outside in the cold] a long time ago is, you get a big tent and you put a little tent inside and then you can cover the little tent with a tarp, an emergency blanket and then put a tarp over the big tent," the man said.

He then explained he had a propane heater along with his set-up, but the past winter storm in January broke holes in the tent, making it insecure.

"In 2013, I was in Bastrop, Texas, and it was single digits for four months," he said. "I lost 40 pounds from shivering -- and I don't want to do that again."

This particular location is operated under The Salvation Army. It also houses the Inclement Weather Shelter which opened Nov. 15, 2024 and will continue until April 15.

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For more information on shelters available in the Richmond City area for inclement weather and/or other services, click here.