Utility Relief Measures in Effect for Richmond Residents

Richmond, VA -- As the federal government shutdown continues, the City of Richmond, Richmond Public Schools, regional and state partners, and community organizations are standing together to ensure residents have access to essential resources-from food assistance and utility relief to emergency shelter and family support.

Mayor Danny Avula was joined on Friday, November 7, by representatives from the Richmond Health District, Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Richmond City Council, Richmond Public Schools, Feed More, and members of state delegation to highlight collaborative efforts underway across the region.

In the past week alone, the City of Richmond, and Chesterfield, and Henrico counties have jointly contributed $300,000 to support Feed More, Central Virginia's regional food bank and its network of more than 300 food pantries.

"In uncertain times like these, Richmond shows what it means to thrive - not just to get by, but to come together. This is the Beloved Community in action: neighbors caring for neighbors, communities stepping up for families, a city that won't let anyone be left behind. That's the Richmond I believe in, and that's the Richmond we're building together," said Mayor Danny Avula.

The City's Office of Neighborhood Engagement has distributed fliers and resources throughout communities to raise awareness about food assistance, while volunteers-including the City's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)-have joined Feed More to help with distribution.

"Our partners have been here all along, and I've seen the wonderful work residents are doing to be neighbors to one another. Hunger is not something we should have to face in our city. I'm proud to stand with the partners here today to stand in the gap," said Richmond City Councilmember Ellen F. Robertson.

"At RPS, our motto is to lead and serve with love. That means more than teaching reading, writing, math, and art-it means stepping into the breach when our students and families need us most. We did that during the pandemic, and we'll continue to do it today and, in the days, ahead," said Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras. "I'm so grateful for our extraordinary partnership with the City and Feed More as we work together to support our kids and families."

The Commonwealth's Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) program has also mobilized state resources to expand access to food across the Commonwealth. Residents can continue to donate food or make monetary contributions to Feed More to strengthen regional food security.

To ease financial strain during the shutdown, the City's Department of Utilities (DPU) has implemented temporary utility relief measures effective November 1:

• Suspending disconnections for non-payment through the end of November.
• Waiving late fees for the month of November.
• Residents facing DPU hardship are encouraged to call (804) 646-5420 to establish a payment plan or seek assistance through MetroCare Water Assistance.

Additionally, with cold temperatures arriving earlier than usual, the City has partnered with The Salvation Army to open its Inclement Weather Shelter (IWS) ahead of schedule. Located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue, the shelter provides overnight warmth and safety for individuals experiencing homelessness during this week's cold snap. The IWS will function as an overnight shelter beginning Thursday, November 6 to help residents stay safe and warm during periods of extremely cold temperatures. For more information about the Inclement Weather Shelter visit Inclement Weather | Richmond.

CARITAS is hosting a Surge Shelter that can accommodate up to 60 people if demand exceeds available capacity. These efforts are supported by regional collaboration with Chesterfield, Henrico, and Hanover counties, ensuring that every resident across Central Virginia has access to a safe place to stay when temperatures drop.

For up-to-date information about the City of Richmond's support to residents during the federal shutdown:

Go.rva.gov/snap

Go.rva.gov/shutdown

Ways to Help

• Donate: The best way for residents to support this ongoing effort is to donate to Feed More (go.rva.gov/feedmore). A $5 donation provides 20 nourishing meals to residents in need. These donations will directly support food distribution in the Richmond region the week of November 4.
• Donate (your time): The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond is sharing volunteer opportunities related directly to food insecurity and food access.
• Donate (your food): Feed More will accept donations of food. You can learn more about how and what to donate on feedmore.org.