Homelessness Resources

A few bits of advice from various Homelessness Service providers*:

• Train your staff: Be clear on your policies regarding the unhoused and how you want to engage as a business; it is not fair if one day you allow folks to use restrooms and receive water or food when the next day, you don't. It is confusing for everyone- and often frustrating.

• Use the Street Sheet to provide resources—avoid giving cash.  The Street Sheet provides places for food, clothing (even business attire), restrooms, shelter and more.  If you do choose to give something, give them a water with “snack pack” (a Ziplock baggie of snack goods) with the Street Sheet.

• NEVER hesitate to text Anita at the Daily Planet (804-239-7292) if you are concerned about a homeless person

•  If you see someone in crisis, this is a time to call 911; maybe they have come off their meds or missed their anti-psychotic injections, whatever the reason, if they are a danger to themselves or others, this is crisis and police intervention is appropriate

• Contact reputable groups from the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care or others like the Blessing Warriors if you want to donate to ensure it goes directly to the homeless

These few tips were just a few of the take aways from the April Business Watch Meeting. All speakers contact info is listed below.

Link to Some Downloadable Resources:

Street Sheet (List of homelessness resources you can print out and give to folks)

Daily Planet Services Sheet (downloadable PDF of services they provide)

*These tips were collected from conversations at the meeting and afterwards from various speakers