Shelter for homeless to be open this weekend
Jeremy M. Lazarus | 2/25/2021, 6 p.m.
A safety net shelter for the homeless in Richmond is expected to stay open this weekend when heavy rain is expected, according to 5th District City Councilwoman Stephanie A. Lynch.
Ms. Lynch, chair of council’s Education and Human Services Committee, said Tuesday that, in response to her inquiry, she was informed that the shelter would not close even though it will not be as cold as required under the guidelines for the shelter’s operation.
The congregate shelter serving up to 150 unsheltered people on cold nights is located at the Quality Inn on Arthur Ashe Boulevard.
City Council only requires the administration to provide shelter when the low temperature, including the wind chill factor, is forecast to be 40 degrees or less.
On Saturday and Sunday, the low temperature is forecast to be 47 and 50 degrees respectively; on Monday, the low temperature is forecast to drop to 34 degrees.
Ms. Lynch, who supports creation of a year-round shelter for the city, said she expressed concern that dozens of people could be turned away from the shelter during the weekend rain if there is strict adherence to the 40-degree threshold.
