Last updated Thursday, 11/13/25, at 9:30 a.m.

Most recent update: On November 12, the federal shutdown ended. The City of Richmond continues to monitor updates and to recommend the resources below as federal services and benefits work to resume.  

What happens at the federal level has impacts for local governments and, most importantly, for the people we serve. This page will document Richmond's response to the shutdown along with community resources. Please check back regularly.

Note: If you're looking for information about the interruption to SNAP benefits due to the shutdown, please visit go.rva.gov/snap for the most up-to-date news, resources, and ways to help. 

Richmond's Response

• Richmond Leaders Stand in Support of Residents during Federal Shutdown: An update on City efforts during the shutdown, delivered at a press conference on Friday, November 7, 2025.
• "The Increasing Local Impact of the Federal Government Shutdown": Organizational Development Standing Committee update, delivered by CAO Odie Donald II on Monday, November 3, 2025.
• "Resilient Richmond": Initial City assessment following the shutdown, published on October 17, 2025.

Impacts and Resources

• 📢To ease financial strain during the shutdown, the Department of Public Utilities has suspended disconnections for non-payment through the end of November and is waiving late fees for the month of November. For additional utilities support, call 804-646-5420 or seek assistance through MetroCare Water Assistance.
• ⚠️Pauses to the Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). While the pause is ongoing, the Department of Social Services encourages customers to submit applications for heating fuel assistance for when funding returns. Applications must be submitted by Friday, November 14, 2025. Learn more about energy assistance option
• ⚠️Interruptions to SNAP benefits: go.rva.gov/snap. On Sunday, November 9, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that Virginia will be issuing 65% of SNAP monthly benefits for Virginians this week. As a result, the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) initiative will be paused.
• ❄️As temperatures drop, view information about Richmond's inclement weather shelters.
• 🤝Support for increased needs related to childcare, employment, housing, or transportation: Help1RVA.