A key element to the Unity-Works project is the promotion of collaboration between congregations and non-profits, particularly faith-based non-profits.  This site will contain profiles of those ogranizations that play key roles in caring for the homeless and impoverished in our community.

Homeless and Shelter

Homeward: Homeward’s mission is to prevent, reduce and end homelessness by facilitating creative solutions through the collaboration, coordination and cooperation of regional resources and services. www.homewardva.org

CARITAS: CARITAS (Congregations Around Richmond Involved To Assure Shelter) was organized in the early 1980′s to respond to the huge unmet need for emergency shelter for homeless adults in the cold winter months. With its name derived from the Latin word for charity, today CARITAS is the largest emergency shelter program in our community. More than 170 faith communities provide over 37,000 nights of shelter. Our congregation-based model mobilizes thousands of volunteers annually.www.caritasshelter.org

Daughters of Zelohphehad: The Daughters of Zelophehad (DOZ) is a transitional housing program for homeless women and their children based in the Richmond, Virginia area. The existing home is in Chesterfield County.  DOZ is an ecumenical Christian based ministry.  Eligible families may live in the home for up to two years.  During this time, these women and children receive the education, training and spiritual support they need to prepare them for independent living.

Employment and Education

Boaz & Ruth: Planted in the center of Highland Park, one of Richmond, Virginia’s most troubled areas, Boaz & Ruth’s mission is to rebuild lives and communities through relationships, training, transitional jobs, and economic revitalization.  http://www.boazandruth.com

Addiction and Healing

The Healing Place: The Healing Place of Richmond is a nonprofit organization established to provide shelter for the homeless and a long term residential recovery program for those who are chemically dependent. Services are provided at no cost to the client. http://www.thpva.com

CARITAS Furniture Bank- CARITAS operates the only furniture bank in Central Virginia (orignially founded and operated by Embrace Richmond). The CARITAS Furniture Bank is a member of the National Furniture bank association which is comprised of more than 50 furniture banks nationally. Through the CARITAS Furniture Bank, CARITAS provides furniture and housewares to more than 200 households (over 500 individuals) per year.  

CARITAS Works: CARITAS Works provides Richmond’s only peer-driven aftercare program. A program that provides on the job training, employment services and mentoring to help families and individuals move toward long term stability.http://communitysharehouse.org