Henrico supervisors allocate $804K to fund regional homelessness efforts

The Henrico Board of Supervisors allocated more than $804,468 at its April 23 meeting to help fund two regional homelessness programs.

The money will support programs operated by the Salvation Army and HomeAgain, representing Henrico’s contribution as part of a partnership with the city of Richmond to address homelessness in the region. The funding would carry over from Fiscal Year 2024 to FY25.

Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas explained that Chesterfield County also was originally part of the discussion but has chosen not to participate.

Varina Supervisor Tyrone Nelson noted that Henrico already has its own efforts and is contributing one-third of the overall funding for this partnership.

“Our $800,000-plus dollars does not subtract from the other things we’re doing, first,” Nelson said. “And second, this is an expansion.”

Three Chopt Supervisor Misty Whitehead brought up citizen questions she’s received about why Henrico doesn’t have its own homeless shelter. She also noted that “both of these organizations have proven track records.”

Deputy County Manager for Community Affairs Monica Smith-Callahan explained that instead of funding a homeless shelter in the county, Henrico has instead chosen to provide funding, including federal and state funds, to community partners for whom “operating emergency sheltering is their business. That is what they do.”

She added that, “At any given point, any given day in this region, there are 1,000 beds available for sheltering, be it [for] single men and women or families.”

In response to a question from Fairfield Supervisor Roscoe Cooper, III, Callahan-Smith said there’s not a way to ensure that Henrico’s existing homelessness efforts are primarily going to county residents.

“In all reality, they’re not going to check people at the door,” she said.

“We know that the homeless community is transient,” Nelson added. “Whatever we can do to get people off the street and inside where it’s warm, cool, or whatever be the case. Hopefully other localities will come along and join us.”

In another matter, the board introduced an ordinance that would expand the county’s Real Estate Cap Program (RECAP) that permanently limits real estate taxes for homeowners who are at least 65 or permanently disabled. Such homeowners now would qualify with up to $125,000 of household income (up from $105,000) and a combined net worth of $750,000 (up from $700,000). The board will vote on the change during its May 28 meeting.

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