Directory of Contacts
Jackson Ward & Arts District Community Resource & Safety Guide
For Business Owners, Neighbors & Visitors
Business Safety & Crime Prevention
Connect Your Cameras with Richmond Police
Help deter and solve crime by integrating your surveillance system:
🔗 RichmondConnect.org
Request a Free Security Assessment (CPTED Report)
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) assessments offer personalized safety improvements for your business.
Contact: Officer Justin Gardner – justin.gardner@rva.gov | (804) 646-4436
Report Issues with the RVA 311 App
Quickly report broken streetlights, potholes, graffiti, or sidewalk damage.
File a Trespass Letter
Let RPD remove individuals from your property when you're not there. Ask an officer how to submit this form.
Stay Connected via Slack
Join the Jackson Ward Business Watch Slack Channel to share safety alerts and updates in real-time. (send an email to artsdistrictbusinesswatch.com to join)
Key Safety Contacts
Officer Justin Gardner
CPTED / De-escalation Training
justin.gardner@rva.gov
(804) 646-4436
Officer Cynthia Weaver
HOPE Unit Outreach
cynthia.weaver@rva.gov
HOPE Unit officer (Homelessness Outreach Prevention & Education)
Officer Kevin Mills
—
Leon Dangerfield
Venture Richmond, Outreach Specialist
ldangerfield@streetplus.net
(804) 750-9844
Anita Bennett
Daily Planet CEO
—
Text (804) 239-7292
Olivia Neefe
Richmond Homeless Services
olivia.neefe@rva.gov
(804) 659-5966
Dianne Wilmore
Homeless Services Liaison
804-646-5823
Homelessness: Support & Response
👥 For Business Owners
Train Your Team: Set clear, consistent policies about how your business interacts with unhoused neighbors.
Provide Information, Not Cash: Offer water, a snack pack, and the Street Sheet instead of money.
Call or Text for Support:
For urgent mental health or safety concerns, dial 911.
For non-emergencies, text Anita at the Daily Planet at (804) 239-7292.
Collaborate: Work with groups like the Blessing Warriors or Greater Richmond Continuum of Care to ensure your support has lasting impact.
Street Sheet: Local Resources for Unhoused Neighbors
Housing & Crisis Access Points
Homeless Connection Line: (804) 972-0813
Domestic Violence Hotline: (804) 612-6126
Food, Showers & Hygiene
First Baptist Church (2709 Monument Ave): Food, showers – Mon/Thurs
St. Peter’s Catholic (800 E Grace St): Hot meals, showers – Tues/Wed
Centenary United Methodist (411 E Grace St): Bagged lunches – Fri
RVA Community Fridges: linktr.ee/rvacommunityfridges
Connect & Recharge Locations
Richmond Public Library – Main Branch: Computers, notary, job help
Commonwealth Catholic Charities: Charging stations, phone use
OAR of Richmond: Reentry support – 311 W Clay St
Health, Recovery & Support
Daily Planet Health Services: (804) 783-2505
CARITAS Residential Programs:
Men’s: (804) 230-1184 | 700 Dinwiddie Ave
Women’s: (804) 418-3049 | 2220 Stockton St
Richmond Behavioral Health: (804) 819-4100 (24/7 Crisis Support)
Legal & Social Services
Central Virginia Legal Aid: (800) 868-1012
Senior Connections: (804) 343-3000
Medicaid Transportation: (866) 386-8331
Crime Awareness & Prevention Links
RVA 311 Reporting (report infrastructure issues)
RVA Active Calls (shows you what the police are responding to in real time)
VCU LiveSafe App (send VCU Police information 24/7 about suspicious behavior or circumstances, threats, crimes or ongoing incidents)
Elected Officials & City Contacts
City Council: District 2
Katherine Jordan (Councilwoman): Katherine.Jordan@rva.gov
Sven Philipsen (Second District Liaison): sven.philipsen@rva.gov
Police
William C. Brereton (Sector Leitenant): william.brereton@rva.gov
School Board
Katie Richard
This guide is powered by the Historic Jackson Ward Neighborhood Association and the Arts District Business Watch
Stay safe, stay connected — and let’s build a stronger, more inclusive community together.