The City of Richmond has activated its Extreme Weather Warming Center in response to a Winter Weather Advisory issued by the National Weather Service. The initiative is aimed at providing residents with safe and warm locations during severe winter conditions.
The daytime warming center is located at the Richmond Public Library, Main Branch, at 101 E. Franklin Street. It operates on Sunday, February 22 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and resumes regular operating hours on Monday, February 23. For overnight shelter, the Linwood Robinson Center at 700 N. 26th Street will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.
Transportation is available from the library’s main branch directly to the Linwood Robinson Center for those seeking overnight shelter.
In addition to these centers, the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter at 1900 Chamberlayne Parkway offers services every night from November 15 through April 15 between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m., with extended hours if temperatures fall below 40 degrees or when there is significant freezing rain or snow accumulation. This shelter serves single adult men and women but does not accommodate families. Guests are provided with heated indoor space, restrooms, sleeping cots, snacks and beverages, meals, ADA-accessible areas, hygiene kits, and onsite security.
When the Salvation Army shelter reaches capacity and temperatures remain below 40 degrees, the CARITAS Surge Shelter is activated as an additional resource for those in need.
Warming Centers are generally activated during periods of extreme weather such as very low temperatures or hazardous wind chills defined by advisories from the National Weather Service. The Main Library serves as the daytime location during business hours while the Linwood Robinson Center functions as an overnight facility. These centers provide guests with warmth and restroom access; snacks and drinks are available overnight.
City Emergency Shelters may also be opened under extraordinary circumstances like extreme weather events that impact city infrastructure or threaten existing shelter capacity. Decisions to activate emergency shelters consider factors such as current forecasts for temperature and precipitation, threats to utilities like power or water supply in neighborhoods or group settings, and availability at other shelters including those run by Salvation Army and CARITAS.
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