Embrace Richmond was started because a homeless woman wanted to give back to her community.  From the beginning this “pay-it-forward” philosophy has been core to Embrace Richmond.  We recognize that the solutions we seek to ending homelessness, addiction and poverty will be found through partnerships with those we seek to serve.  For this reason, Embrace Richmond will employ the collective wisdom of several “guides” who, through their stories and presence, will take us on an adventure from homelessness to stability. 

From these “journey guides” we will learn to walk in solidarity with the poor, the oppressed and the captives.  It will be through their eyes that we will experience the systems and structures currently in place in our city to meet the needs of the homeless.  We believe that it is in this place of solidarity that we will be able to discern God’s will for each of us, for Jesus himself identified with the poor when he said “What you do unto one of the least of these, you do unto me.” 

Profiles of our Journey Guides will be posted in the coming months.

Rudy Greene

Born and raised in Richmond’s Church Hill area, Rudy finished the Healing Place program in March, 2008, staying on to serve as a Peer Mentor for six months afterwards. Rudy is serving as the Furniture Bank coordinator, and will provide aftercare services to graduates of The Healing Place.

Charles Fitzgerald

A Richmond native, Charles completed the Healing Place program in Richmond in February, 2007, and then served for an entire year as a Peer Mentor, teaching and helping the men who followed him into the program, including both Jim and Rudy. Charles will be responsible for transport services and client relations, and will be handling aftercare services for single men exiting CARITAS.

                                                  Veronica Blount

Meet Veronica Blount. Veronica is a single working Mother, student and as an Americorp Member, she gives generously of her time to help homeless individuals here in Richmond. She is also a source of inspiration and encouragement to struggling single Mothers moving from shelter to stability.  By empowering women with the resources necessary to move forward, she helps woman to not only survive, but thrive. Veronica herself has experienced homelessness, and is helping to light the way for others climbing the same mountain.

Ron Smith

Ron was born in Washington DC but left when he was a child. He spent a few years living in Germany and then relocated back to the US and lived in Fort Knox, Kentucky and attended University of TN. Ron became a participant of The Healing Place in KY before moving to Richmond VA in 2005. Ron continued to participate in The Healing Place program in Richmond and eventually became a staff member. Ron has joined the Community Sharehouse as Warehouse Coordinator where he is responsible for monitoring deliveries, inventory and coaching warehouse staff. Ron played pro-basketball for the San Diego Clippers during the late 1970”s and still has a love for the game.