For those citizens seeking relief during the extreme heat and have no other options, here are some options:
 
Richmond Social Services Marshall Plaza Building, located at 900 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA and 4100 Hull Street, Richmond, VA, will be open from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21 for those seeking relief.  All citizens must wear face coverings while in the building and maintain a safe physical distance of six feet from others.  Seating will be arranged for the appropriate social distancing. (Pets, with the exception of service animals, are not permitted). 
 
Richmond Public Libraries are open to the public with limited hours. Please visit the https://rvalibrary.org/reopening/ for details on the limited hours, services and important changes. All patrons and library employees are required to wear masks and maintain a safe physical distance of six feet from others at all times. If you have a fever or other COVID-19 symptoms, do not enter the building.
 
For more information regarding cooling assistance services, city residents should contact the city’s Department of Social Services Fuel Assistance Office at (804) 646-7046. Elderly residents with cooling related issues should contact Adult Services at (804) 646-7367. In the event of a heat related emergency, please call 9-1-1.
 
 
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In light of the recent extreme temperatures in the area, the Stoney administration is extending cooling station hours from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. to 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. while a heat advisory is in effect in the City of Richmond.
 
When the cooling station is open, but a heat advisory is not in effect, visitors will be welcome from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
“This is a change rooted in compassion and common sense,” said Mayor Stoney. “I know how hot this city can get during the summer. Nobody should risk heat stroke because they are experiencing homelessness or lack access to adequate air conditioning.”
 
“It’s the city’s job to step in, reach out a helping hand and prioritize public health.”
 
During the extent of the governor’s mask mandate, all residents who wish to use the cooling shelters must wear face coverings and practice social distancing where possible.
 
For more information regarding cooling assistance services, city residents should contact the city’s Department of Social Services Fuel Assistance Office at (804) 646-7046. Elderly residents with cooling related issues should contact Adult Services at (804) 646-7367. In the event of a heat related emergency, please call 9-1-1.

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Mayor Stoney visited the Department of Public Works (DPW) crews paving along Richmond’s segment of Chippenham Parkway Tuesday evening. 
 
The Chippenham Parkway paving project spans nearly 20 lane miles and constitutes a $1.5 million investment in the roads of the Southside. To minimize congestion along the major thoroughfare, the bulk of the paving is being done at night.  
 
The mayor also provided a summary of paving progress made throughout FY2020, noting that light traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic facilitated efficient work.
 
“I’m all about looking for the silver lining in this new normal, determining how we can work together to turn a bad situation into a productive one,” said the mayor. “The work done on our roads is a great example of that.”
 
In FY2020, the city paved over 320 lane miles. That work constituted a roughly $22 million-dollar investment: $15 million from the CIP budget, $1 million in state revenue funds and $6 million in various DPW and Department of Public Utilities funding.
 
The mayor also provided a list of upcoming paving projects, including major thoroughfares like Broad Street, Ruffin Road and Fairfield, Fauquier and Patterson Avenues, as well as residential areas like Oakwood, Mosby, Whitcomb, Carytown South and the Fan. 
 
“In this city, there’s an equitable solution to every problem,” said the mayor. “You’re seeing our plan for equitable streets in action.”

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Today, the city launched a program to provide rent and mortgage assistance to non-citizen and mixed immigration status households in Richmond. This program is designed to support those Richmonders excluded from federal assistance due to their immigration status.
 
The program is made possible by a $250,000 grant from the Open Society Foundations, a non-profit organization based in New York dedicated to providing assistance to groups excluded from federal assistance, such as non-citizens, mixed-status families and those with limited English proficiency working in domestic service jobs and other essential industries.
 
To assist as many households as possible, funds per household will be limited to $1500 or up to two months of rent, whichever is less. This support program is intended to aid households who are having trouble paying rent due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants who have not received any other cash assistance throughout the pandemic will be given priority.
 
Applicants will work with the bilingual staff of the city’s Office of Multicultural Affairs and Help1RVA to determine their eligibility for the program, apply for assistance and complete the verification process.
 
“We are grateful for this grant, which will allow us to help bridge the gap for those individuals and families who usually are excluded from receiving government assistance and who play a crucial role in keeping our economy going,” said Karla Almendarez-Ramos, Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
 
The funds will be sent directly to the landlord or property manager. Applicants must provide proof of income and a valid lease or mortgage statement confirming the landlord-tenant relationship.
 
Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) of Virginia, the administrator of the city’s Eviction Diversion Program, will be in charge of making payments to landlords and property managers.
 
“HOME of VA is proud to partner with the City of Richmond as the fiscal agent to ensure access for vulnerable, underserved, and at-risk populations in the most integrated settings within the community,” said Monica Jefferson, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of HOME. “Housing assistance can make a significant difference in the economic well-being of low-income families and those facing complex housing barriers.”
 
“If there’s one lesson we should take away from this pandemic, it is that everyone, regardless of immigration status, deserves a place to feel safe and secure,” said Mayor Stoney of the program. “This targeted effort will support families often overlooked in the design and implementation of public support programs, and I am so thankful that so many were willing to come around the table and find a fix to this challenge.”
 
Interested parties can learn more here.
 
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Today, the city launched a program to provide rent and mortgage assistance to non-citizen and mixed immigration status households in Richmond. This program is designed to support those Richmonders excluded from federal assistance due to their immigration status.
 
The program is made possible by a $250,000 grant from the Open Society Foundations, a non-profit organization based in New York dedicated to providing assistance to groups excluded from federal assistance, such as non-citizens, mixed-status families and those with limited English proficiency working in domestic service jobs and other essential industries.
 
To assist as many households as possible, funds per household will be limited to $1500 or up to two months of rent, whichever is less. This support program is intended to aid households who are having trouble paying rent due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants who have not received any other cash assistance throughout the pandemic will be given priority.
 
Applicants will work with the bilingual staff of the city’s Office of Multicultural Affairs and Help1RVA to determine their eligibility for the program, apply for assistance and complete the verification process.
 
“We are grateful for this grant, which will allow us to help bridge the gap for those individuals and families who usually are excluded from receiving government assistance and who play a crucial role in keeping our economy going,” said Karla Almendarez-Ramos, Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
 
The funds will be sent directly to the landlord or property manager. Applicants must provide proof of income and a valid lease or mortgage statement confirming the landlord-tenant relationship.
 
Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) of Virginia, the administrator of the city’s Eviction Diversion Program, will be in charge of making payments to landlords and property managers.
 
“HOME of VA is proud to partner with the City of Richmond as the fiscal agent to ensure access for vulnerable, underserved, and at-risk populations in the most integrated settings within the community,” said Monica Jefferson, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of HOME. “Housing assistance can make a significant difference in the economic well-being of low-income families and those facing complex housing barriers.”
 
“If there’s one lesson we should take away from this pandemic, it is that everyone, regardless of immigration status, deserves a place to feel safe and secure,” said Mayor Stoney of the program. “This targeted effort will support families often overlooked in the design and implementation of public support programs, and I am so thankful that so many were willing to come around the table and find a fix to this challenge.”
 
Interested parties can learn more here.
 
 
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