FREE help for those in need of food, shelter and services

Many people in Richmond and beyond are experiencing financial difficulties. This listing of resources for people in crisis shows where to get food, housing, legal and other assistance. Please share this post to inform others of these resources. If you are able to give or donate, please consider this list of organizations as recipients of your generosity.

⭐️ Mark your calendar: The federal government announced a Special Enrollment Period for individuals and families to enroll in health coverage through the Federally Facilitated Marketplace all February, through May 15, 2021, due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. go.usa.gov/xAFn9

⭐️If you are a parent or guardian, be aware of food resource through your public school systems which are offering food for area students. Apply for food stamps with Virginia-SNAP-Food Stamps, a Virginia State initiated program whose primary goal is to enable low-income families access to a balanced meal.. Please note that you should be working 20 hours a week to receive benefits. Call 2-1-1 to receive directions to the nearest food pantry or visit https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank. For national food aid info, visit https://www.usa.gov/food-help.

⭐️ Dominion Energy is partnering with the Virginia Chamber Foundation to temporarily expand its EnergyShare program to assist those small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dominion Energy Virginia is pledging $500,000 to help provide energy bill relief for small businesses, nonprofits, and houses of worship in its Virginia service territory. The program funding will be covered by shareholders and will not impact customer rates. Qualified businesses may be eligible for one-time assistance with their Dominion Energy electric bill up to $1,000. For more information on eligibility or to fill out an application follow the link: vachamber.com/foundation/small-business-relief-program.

With the help of many volunteers and donations, Bridging RVA provides groceries throughout the year to many in need as well as a Christmas meal and other services.

FREE Help For Those in Need of Food, Shelter and Services:

American Red Cross of Virginia – emergency aid when you need it.
ACTS-Area Congregations Together in Strengths – Rent and mortgage relief. Those looking for assistance in Richmond, Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, and Powhatan can call 804-644-2401. Those in Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, and Dinwiddie can call St. Joseph’s Villa at 804-722-1181. State and city have rent assistance programs. ACTS is key player. You can call 211 to get info on them or go online to apply.
Bridging RVA is providing delivered Christmas Day dinner to 1400-2000 people this year and would appreciate money donations as well as ongoing COVID-19 Food Relief.
Caring Clothes Closet– provides consignment-quality clothing to people who need a hand up. 3121 Moss Side Ave. Richmond, VA.
Catholic Charities (1601 Rolling Hills Dr, Richmond) has a food pantry and a baby closet that should be able to help they also have a financial assistance department . Their main number is 804 285 5900 –
Central Virginia Legal Aid Society (CVLAS) is a non-profit law firm which provides free legal assistance to low income people in civil cases and preventive legal education in our communities. Since 1971, CVLAS has defended the rights of those who can’t defend themselves. Click herefor more information.
Chesterfield Food Bank (12211 Iron Bridge Rd, Chester, VA) Free food distribution every Friday to residents in need of Chesterfield County. Registration begins at 4:00 pm. Food distribution starts at 5:00.
City of Richmond rental assistance options (all of which are sort of connected): the Eviction Diversion Program (apply at www.rvaevictions.com), Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia (HOME – www.homeofva.org/get-help/eviction-diversion), and ACTS RVA (www.actsrva.org). Hurry though – a lot of aid is federally/state funded and, as of present, expiring after the 31st of December when the CDC Federal Moratorium expires! Restrictions are loosening on these funds held by HOME/ACTS to help more people access them as much as possible.
CommonHelp is a site where you can apply for SNAP (food assistance), medical assistance and energy assistance.
Daily Planet Health Services (517 W Grace St, Richmond, VA) provide accessible, comprehensive, and integrated quality health services to anyone regardless of their housing, financial or insurance status.
FeedMore collects, prepares and distributes food to your neighbors who struggle with hunger through its programs and Network of Agencies. Hunger Hotline is dedicated to connecting neighbors across 34 counties and cities in Central Virginiawith the food, program and resources they need in emergency times. If you or someone you know needs emergency food assistance, please use the Agency Locatorto find a pantry near you. You can also complete the Hunger Hotline Inquiry Form or call 804-521-2500 ext. 631 for additional help.
Food Not Bombs provides food to whoever needs it at Monroe Park on Sundays at 4 p.m.
Help1RVA at https://www.help1rva.org/ allows anyone to search for FREE or reduced cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more.
Henrico County is offering relief for citizens who have fallen behind on their public utility bills during the pandemic. The county received $1.8 million in funding from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to assist residents who have past-due utility bills, from March 1 through Dec. 30. Officials plan to release details about the program and eligibility soon. In the meantime, citizens may call 501-4275 to learn more.
Housing Opportunities Made Equal or HOME operates separate city program. Home also offers housing counseling.
Legal Aid Justice Center – provides low cost and FREE legal services
Homeless Crisis Line at 804-972-0813 if you are within a few days of losing shelter
Little Hands Virginia is a nonprofit based at Second Baptist Church (River & Gaskins) making sure babies in need in Greater Richmond have the essentials to thrive from “Day 1.”
Moments of Hope Outreach is a 501(c)(3) outreach ministry that gives Hope to neighbors experiencing homelessness and those living in poverty in the Richmond area by providing weekly healthy meals, life-sustaining supplies, and connecting them with local, state, and federal health, housing and employment resources. We’ve served over 600 unsheltered neighbors and helped 52 of them get housed and end their homeless nightmare since 2016. Weekly Saturday Servings events are held in the parking lot of the Food Lion at 5300 Chamberlayne Road, and provide delicious healthy meals prepared and by churches, civic groups, and local businesses. We also provide a two day supply of canned food, a week’s supply of toiletries, as well as clothing, refurbished bicycles, health screenings, fellowship and prayer to 350-400+ individuals and families weekly. The Mo Hope Pantry is located at 13400 Hanover Courthouse Road, and provides toiletries and a two day supply of canned goods, and fresh fruit and veggies when available, serving 200+ individuals each week.
Money is still available for tenants struggling to pay rent. Tenants can now apply directly with the bilingual RMRP (Rent and Mortgage Relief Program) Support Center at 703-962-1884. Tenants can also apply online at http://ow.ly/oga950CM1e0
Northside Coalition for Children nonprofit feeds families and provides donations to churches.
Richmond Mutual Aid – Richmonders can request a supply drop or mini grant (depending on what resources they currently have available) RVA MAD offers mural aid of various sorts. They currently have a toy drive with drop off at Nomad’s Deli but have other ways to donate as well. 804-404-2346
Sacred Heart Center (1400 Perry St Richmond, VA 23224) – Connects Latino families with tools to thrive and flourish. Volunteers and donations welcome.
St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church (3602 Hawthorne Ave Richmond, VA 23222) has a food pantry open on Thursday mornings.
Virginia Housing Alliance (VHA) provides resources and programming support related to housing. DHCD will be holding mandatory “How to Apply” webinars for the Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot Program. Please go to the link below to sign up: https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/…/verp-program-guidelines…
Virginia Poverty Law Center (VPLC) protect the rights of low-income Virginians and ensures Virginians have fair and equal access to civil courts. Provides training to local legal aid program staff, private attorneys, and low-income clients relating exclusively to the legal rights of low-income Virginians. 1-833-NoEvict
VPLC has the following free helplines:
ENROLL Virginia! Helpline: (888) 392-5132
• Eviction Helpline: 833-NOEVICT(833-663-8428)
• Predatory Loan Helpline: (866) 830-4501
• Senior Legal Helpline: (844) 802-5910
VPLC also assist certain immigrant victims of domestic or sexual abuse. If you need assistance with another civil matter, call (866) 534-5243to find your local legal aid office. Legal aid programs serve every city and county in Virginia. VPLC and legal aid offices cannot assist with criminal matters.
Virginia’s Rent and Mortgage Relief Program https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/rmrp
Virginia Supportive Housing’s mission is to end homelessness by providing permanent housing and supportive services.
YWCA Richmond provides a domestic and sexual abuse hotline and programs and housing for survivors of abuse.

Local food pantries listed below (hours and services may vary during the COVID-19 situation, * indicates the resource has not yet confirmed service is provided during COVID-19).

2nd Presbyterian Church
5 N. 5th Street
Mondays from 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., to-go lunch served

St. Peter’s Catholic Church
800 E. Grace Street
Tuesdays from 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., to-go lunch served

3rd St. Bethel AME Church
614 N. 3rd Street
Wednesdays from 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., grab-and-go meals served

Commonwealth Catholic Charities
1512 Willow Lawn Drive
Curbside service on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., must have a photo ID & can receive food once monthly (up to 3 times/year)

2nd Baptist Church, West End
1400 Idlewood Ave.
Wednesdays from 11 a.m – 1 p.m., grab and go from the church parking lot (weather may alter operations)

St. Pauls Episcopal Church (Emmaus)
815 E. Grace Street
Thursdays from 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., to-go lunch served

*Oregon Hill Baptist Center
400 S. Pine Street (Oregon Hill)
Thursdays from 10 am- 12 p.m., food pantry

Grace and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (Red Door Ministry)
8 N. Laurel St. (by Monroe Park)
Fridays between 12 p.m. – 2 p.m., brown bag/ to-go meals served

Centenary UMC
411 E. Grace Street
Fridays from 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., to-go lunch served

Food Not Bombs
Monroe Park
Sundays at 4 p.m.

This list was compiled in December 2020.

Do you know of an organization that helps those in need or welcomes volunteers that should be on this list? Email the information to: news@rvaonthecheap.com

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