Henrico commits $900k to Salvation Army shelter in Richmond

Henrico County is committing $900,000 to the Salvation Army Central Virginia's Center of Hope, a project in Richmond that is designed to expand emergency shelter capacity and connect peolpe and families experiencing homelessness with services and pathways toward long-term stability.

Henrico’s financial commitment began with an allocation of $300,000 in fiscal year 2025-26, with the remaining support being paid annually in installments.

Located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue in Richmond, the future Center of Hope will significantly enhance The Salvation Army Central Virginia’s ability to serve those experiencing homelessness throughout the region, according to officials.

The facility will double emergency shelter capacity from 50 to 100 beds, quadruple program areas, create ADA-accessible space and operate the inclement weather shelter year-round during extreme heat, cold and storms for 100 men and women ages 18 and older.

“Henrico County is proud to support the future Center of Hope because ensuring safe, accessible housing for neighbors in crisis requires a comprehensive, community-wide solution,” said Roscoe D. Cooper III, chair of the Henrico Board of Supervisors. “While the Inclement Weather Shelter and Surge Shelter have helped our region meet its immediate needs for housing, the Center of Hope has the potential to be more impactful by changing the trajectory of lives. As a permanent facility, the center will offer more beds as well as space for programs and services to offer community members the support, stability and financial guidance they need to become self-sufficient.”

The Center of Hope also will provide onsite case management, dining, showers, laundry and access to wrap-around resources and services through the City of Richmond’s Community Resource and Training Center. By expanding shelter capacity and bringing critical supports together in one place, the Center of Hope will help more neighbors find safety, stability and hope, according to officials.

“We are deeply grateful for Henrico County’s leadership and generous investment in the future Center of Hope,” said Area Commander Major Samuel Kim for The Salvation Army of Central Virginia. “This commitment demonstrates Henrico County’s strong recognition that homelessness is a regional challenge requiring a coordinated, community-wide response. The Center of Hope will help ensure more of our neighbors have access not only to shelter, but to the resources, support and dignity they need to take their next step toward stability.”

 The Center of Hope is the focus of The Salvation Army’s This Is Hope Capital Campaign, which will renovate and expand the organization’s Chamberlayne Avenue property into a larger, more accessible facility.

With Henrico County’s commitment, the campaign has just less than $1.9 million left to raise. The Salvation Army must secure the remaining funds by Dec. 31, 2026, to unlock matching funds for the campaign.

For details about the campaign, visit ThisIsHopeRVA.org.