City of Richmond Activates Extreme Weather Warming Centers Ahead of Winter Weather
Richmond, VA — The City of Richmond has activated an Extreme Weather Warming Center following the National Weather Service’s issuance of a Winter Weather Advisory. Warming Centers provide a safe, warm location for residents in need. The City of Richmond will continue to monitor weather conditions and, if necessary, adjust sheltering plans accordingly.
Daytime Extreme Weather Warming Center
- Location: Richmond Public Library, Main Branch
- Address: 101 E. Franklin Street
- Hours: Sunday, Feb. 22, 1 – 5 p.m.; Monday, Feb. 23, regular operating hours
Overnight Extreme Weather Warming
- Location: Linwood Robinson Center
- Address: 700 N. 26th Street
- Hours: 5 p.m. – 9 a.m.
Transportation will be available directly from the daytime Warming Center at the Richmond Public Library Main Branch to the overnight shelter at Linwood Robinson Center.
Background on the City of Richmond’s Sheltering Plan
Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter
Where is it located? 1900 Chamberlayne Parkway, Richmond VA, 23222 (Entrance via side alley)
When is it activated? This shelter is open every night from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. November 15 through April 15. Those hours may be extended when temperatures are at or below 40 degrees or when there is freezing rain or snow greater than 1 inch over a 24-hour period.
Who does it serve? Single adult men and single adult women; not a family shelter.
What resources does it provide? Heated indoor space, restrooms, sleeping cots, seating, light snacks and beverages, meals, ADA-accessible areas, hygiene kits and onsite security.
CARITAS Surge Shelter
How is it accessed? By visiting the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter (1900 Chamberlayne Parkway).
When is it activated? The Surge shelter is activated when the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter has reached capacity and when the temperature is below 40 degrees.
Extreme Weather Warming Centers
When are they activated? During extraordinary weather like frigid temperatures or freezing wind chill as defined by winter weather advisories at the National Weather Service.
Where are they located? The Main Library (201 E. Franklin St.) functions as the designated daytime Warming Center between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.during regular business hours and the Linwood Robinson Center (700 N. 26th Street) is the designated overnight Warming Center from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.
What resources do they provide? Warming Centers wiprovide a safe space for guests to warm up and access to restrooms. Overnight Warming Centers offer snacks and drinks.
City Emergency Shelters
When are they activated? The City Emergency Shelter is activated only during extraordinary circumstances like extreme weather, serious impacts to city infrastructure, and threats to shelter capacity.
Key indicators that are considered regarding the decision to open a City Emergency Shelter include, but are not limited to:
- Current weather forecast , including temperature, wind chill and precipitation amount
- If there is a current threat to city infrastructure, such as neighborhoods and congregate setting being without power, water or falling trees
- The current shelter capacity at the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter and the CARITAS Surge Shelter.
