New report: Homelessness is on the rise in Central Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A recent report from Homeward, a local nonprofit dedicated to preventing homelessness in Richmond, reveals a recent increase in the number of individuals without housing in Central Virginia.

According to the report, as of July 24, 585 people in the Richmond region are experiencing homelessness, marking an increase of about 100 individuals compared to the same period last year.

This is a 20% increase compared to the homeless population last year, which was at 486.

The point-in-time count attributes the rise in homelessness to several key factors, including family breakdowns, unemployment, evictions and the inability to afford housing in the current market.

Many of those affected are living in precarious conditions, such as outdoors, in vehicles or in local shelters. These people are part of the region’s unsheltered homeless population, and make up nearly half of the entire homeless population.

The data further highlights demographic trends within the homeless population. Notably, 62% of those experiencing homelessness are Black, and 44% are aged 55 or older.

Homeward’s report provides a snapshot of the situation across the greater Richmond area, which encompasses Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Goochland, Charles City, New Kent and Powhatan counties.

Homeward stated that this increase in the area’s homeless population, specifically those who are currently unsheltered, is likely due to the rising cost of housing in recent years. The general underinvestment in affordable, accessible housing has made the prospect of renting or buying out of reach for a lot of people.

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