Posted Feb. 3, 2025

Application process paused; City staff and partners actively working to verify current applicant eligibility and release payments  

Richmond, VA — The City of Richmond expects that 100% of Water Recovery Assistance funds are now fully committed to Richmonders financially impacted by the water crisis. The application process for the Family Crisis Fund is now paused as current applicants are verified for eligibility and current applications are reviewed. Over 2,200 applications have been received since Friday, Jan. 31. 

 “Since its inception, the Family Crisis Fund has provided critical support to Richmonders in need. The overwhelming number of applications received in the aftermath of the water outage speaks to the great need of many residents. For some, the Family Crisis Fund may be their last resort in covering the cost of rent, childcare, and other basic needs,” said Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services Traci J. Deshazor. 

Close to $650,000 of recovery funds are currently available to support Richmonders who have a demonstrated financial need following the water outage. Qualifying residents may be eligible for up to $2,500 in recovery funding.  

The City of Richmond and its Family Crisis Fund partner organizations are actively working to verify applicant eligibility and review all current applications.  At this time, it is anticipated that applicants will be contacted in approximately 10-15 business days. Applications will be verified and processed in the order they were received. 

“I know many Richmonders are facing real challenges following the water outage — rent payments, child care costs, missed medical bills. Water Recovery Assistance through the Family Crisis Fund is one important way the City can work together with residents to face those challenges.” said Mayor Danny Avula. “The water crisis was not the only challenge we’ll face in the coming years, and Richmonders deserve a robust and resilient Family Crisis Fund to help us meet those future challenges together. And so, my team and I are currently exploring all options to expand financial support for this critical program.” 

Individuals and businesses, as they’re able, can also contribute to Water Recovery Assistance by donating online: https://www.yourunitedway.org/rvawaterfund/ 

Water Recovery Assistance is provided through the Family Crisis Fund. Since 2024, the City has dedicated more than $2.6 million to the Family Crisis Fund to support Richmonders in need.  

Members of Richmond City Council will attend the following services in remembrance of Henry L. Marsh III.

WHAT:            Henry L. Marsh III lying in state at the Virginia State Capitol 
WHEN:           Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. 
WHERE:         Virginia State Capital
                        Old Senate Chamber  
                        1000 Bank Street
                        Richmond, VA 23219

WHAT:            Henry L. Marsh III family visitation 
WHEN:           Friday, January 31, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. 
WHERE:         Manning Funeral Home
                        700 N. 25th Street
                        Richmond, VA 23223

WHAT:           Henry L. Marsh III funeral service  
WHEN:          Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. 
WHERE:        Saint Paul’s Baptist Church
                       4247 Creighton Road
                       Richmond, VA 23223

CONTACT:    For more information, please contact City Clerk Candice Reid at 804.646.7955 or Candice.Reid@rva.gov. 
 

Posted on Jan. 31, 2025

Fund will provide financial assistance to directly pay bills for eligible Richmonders impacted by the water outage

The City of Richmond is now accepting applications for Water Recovery Assistance through a fund that has been established to provide financial support to people impacted by the water outage this month. This assistance is an expansion of the City of Richmond’s existing Family Crisis Fund that supports Richmonders with critical needs. 

Applications for assistance open today, Jan. 31, 2025. Eligible residents may apply by calling 3-1-1 or by visiting rva311.com. Family Crisis Fund requests, specific to the water outage, will be accepted until March 14 or until the fund has been exhausted. 

To qualify for assistance, individuals must be a resident of the City of Richmond, have a demonstrated financial hardship due to the water outage, and have a balance owed or overdue for a bill in one of the following categories: 

• Rent or mortgage payments
• Non-City Utility bills
• Healthcare expenses
• Childcare costs
• Car loan payments

Eligible residents can expect financial assistance to be directed towards their service provider or biller, such as landlords, utility companies, and healthcare providers. 

Since 2023, the City of Richmond has dedicated more than $2.6 million to the Family Crisis Fund to support Richmonders in need. In recent months, the City of Richmond has invested $1.17 million and more than $650,000 remains in the fund to support Richmond residents in crisis. Mayor Danny Avula has also contributed $25,000 to the Family Crisis Fund from his Richmond Forward Together PAC, and he encourages members of the community who are able to donate to contribute as well. Contributions can be made via a partnership with the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg: https://www.yourunitedway.org/rvawaterfund/ 

“A big part of building and sustaining a thriving community is investing resources to help people who are in need. The Family Crisis Fund is one of the ways we are responding to the financial impact the water outage had on our fellow Richmonders,” said Mayor Avula. “This is one of those times when we are asking people who can help, to step up and do so.” 

The Water Recovery Assistance is an expanded use of the Family Crisis Fund that was established in 2020 — in a partnership with the Robins Foundation — to support Richmonders experiencing unexpected hardship associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its formation, the City of Richmond has invested nearly $5 million into the Fund over the years.  

Individuals who have previously received assistance through the Family Crisis Fund may still be eligible for Water Recovery Assistance. Those who have already received assistance through the program in the past year may be eligible for up to $800 in recovery funding, and those who have not received support from the Family Crisis Fund in the past year may be eligible for up to $2,500.

Posted on Jan. 25, 2025

Now Accepting Individual Donations to Aid Impacted Richmonders 

The City of Richmond today announced a partnership with the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg to support Richmonders impacted by the water crisis. This partnership will allow individuals to support their neighbors by contributing to the Water Recovery Fund, which will begin accepting applications on Jan. 31. 

The Fund will be open to Richmond residents with a demonstrated financial need related to the water crisis. Eligible expenses, which must be paid directly to the biller, may include rent, mortgage payments, health-related expenses, childcare, utilities, and missed car loan payments. The Fund will not begin accepting applications until Jan. 31. Residents will be able to apply both online and over the phone at that time. 

Additionally, Mayor Danny Avula has committed $25,000 from his Richmond Forward Together PAC to the Fund. He also encourages others to contribute as they are able to help impacted residents. Donations are being accepted through the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg:  

• https://www.yourunitedway.org/rvawaterfund/ 

“Helping our friends and neighbors is not only the compassionate thing to do, it’s also how we continue to build thriving communities that leave no one behind,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “This recovery fund is an important tool to provide needed support after the recent water crisis.” 

Posted January 24, 2025

~ The artwork reflects unique perspectives on the history and beauty of Main Street Station ~

RICHMOND, VA – The “I Love Main Street Station” Art Exhibit is a stunning tribute to the city’s historic architectural gem - Main Street Station. Featuring the works of 20 talented local artists, this exhibition explores a diverse array of mediums – painting, sculpture, photography and more – all capturing the essence of the venue’s iconic structure, historic railroad station and the cultural significance it holds for the community. The gallery, located inside Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with free admission.

The community is encouraged to vote for their favorite artwork using a special QR code available in the gallery. The top three vote-getting works will be announced at the closing reception. The winners will earn a permanent space at Main Street Station.

The exhibit will culminate with a closing reception offering an evening of music, refreshments, and interactive art experiences on Friday, January 31 from 6 – 8 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists and discuss their work.

For more on Main Street Station, go to www.mainstreetstationrichmond.com

We’re Social! For updates on activities and events visit us on Twitter (X) @DPW_RichmondVA

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 195 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk, and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

Main Street Station (MSS) is owned and operated by the Department of Public Works. Built in 1901, the station is centrally located in the heart of the city and is a historic transportation hub offering a blend of modern amenities, historic charm and classic, stunning architectural design. It features a grand central atrium, intricate stonework, head house, train shed, outdoor space (and patio), and a distinctive clock tower creating a lasting impression of Richmond along the I-95 corridor. This historic venue offers a unique setting for both public and private events. It provides Virginia and the northeast corridor a unique world-class event space that includes 47,000 square feet enclosed in glass, providing breathtaking views of downtown Richmond. It’s a top venue for weddings and events, appearing on numerous “best of” listings. Main Street Station serves as a key point for both Amtrak and local commuter rail services. The station is a vital connection to the region’s transportation network which include partnerships with bus services, such as, GRTC Pulse Bus Rapid Transit, Greyhound and various Megabus services. It also offers bike paths connecting to the Virginia Capital Trail. Described as an “architectural gem” by the United States Postal Service, MSS was selected and featured on a postage stamp!