Richmond Opens Winter Shelters for Homeless Residents
City and partner agencies activate a network of shelters and warming centers for individuals experiencing homelessness this winter season.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Forecasts
The City of Richmond and local partners have opened winter weather shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness. The Salvation Army's inclement weather shelter at 1900 Chamberlayne Ave. operates nightly from November 15, 2026 to April 15, 2027.
Why it matters
The shelter network is designed to protect people at risk of sleeping outdoors during cold weather, with surge capacity activated when temperatures drop and primary shelters fill. Coordination with neighboring jurisdictions is intended to extend available space across the region.
Surge shelter capacity is 70 individuals at CARITAS, which activates only when the 106-bed Salvation Army shelter reaches 85% occupancy and temperatures fall below 40°F for two consecutive hours. The Marshall Plaza warming center adds space for up to 60 more.
The players
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an international Christian charitable organization that runs shelter and social service programs in communities across the United States.
CARITAS
CARITAS is a Richmond-area nonprofit that provides housing and homeless services and operates the city's surge shelter.
The details
Residents seeking walk-up shelter should report to the Salvation Army first. Families at risk of sleeping outside can visit the Community Resource and Training Center at 1900 Chamberlayne Ave. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and residents can sign up for Richmond Ready Alerts to receive activation notices.
Timeline
November 15, 2026: Salvation Army inclement weather shelter opens for the season.
December 1, 2026: CARITAS surge shelter begins operating.
March 31, 2027: CARITAS surge shelter operating period ends.
April 15, 2027: Salvation Army inclement weather shelter operating period ends.
Seasonal Patterns
The surge trigger of 40°F for two consecutive hours and the 20°F extreme warming threshold define when Richmond's cold-weather protocol shifts from standard shelter to surge and emergency capacity. Those thresholds set the seasonal plan that the city activates each winter.
Residents needing a bed should go to the Salvation Army at 1900 Chamberlayne Ave. first, and families at risk of sleeping outside can visit the Community Resource and Training Center on weekdays. Signing up for Richmond Ready Alerts and selecting Homeless Shelter Operations will deliver surge and warming center notices.
The takeaway
Cold-weather shelter access depends on knowing the activation triggers and where to report first. Checking Richmond Ready Alerts is the most direct way to learn when surge or warming capacity opens.
Further reading
For context on cold-weather planning, see the Forecasts section.
