Shelter Donations, Waste Contracts and a Dinner Party
Cheers RVA!
Today will be cloudy with a high of 63 and a slight chance of rain. Precipitation is more likely in the evening with a low of 60.
the juice:
Richmond Animal Care and Control selects a human organization to support each year, and have chosen the City’s only walk-up shelter, which partners with the Salvation Army to supply 100 beds for men and women during the inclement weather season, from WTVR.
RACC is accepting three specific items for donation: instant oatmeal packets, instant hot cocoa packets and bar soap of any kind.
Donations can be delivered to 1600 Chamberlayne and will be taken to the shelter on Dec 20.
the pulp:
City council voted Monday to withdraw a contract to Meridian Waste and grant it to Waste Management of Virginia, after discovering a mistake in the Public Works Recommendation of the bidding, via Sarah Vogelsong at the Richmonder.
Fox Elementary is on track to open in Fall of 2025, from WWBT.
Dinner Party, a concept that is “more than a wine shop” has opened in Carytown, from the RTD. The store, in addition to wine, offers everything one would need to throw a dinner party.
the dive:
Anthony Harris of RVAMag recently wrote an editorial on how Richmond treats it’s most vulnerable citizens, noting the contrast between approving $2 million for a new animal adoption center, yet discontinuing it’s policy of supporting inclement weather overflow shelters.
Richmond’s policies prioritize visibility and convenience over the survival and dignity of its most vulnerable residents. These decisions are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a deeper systemic failure that disproportionately impacts those experiencing homelessness, poverty, and mental health crises.
Harris references programs in other cities that prioritize moving homeless individuals to permanent housing as a foundational step to addressing homelessness.
He also writes about the strain on grassroots organizations being evident with a community fridge recently being vandalized.
These events are not isolated incidents but part of a larger narrative. Richmond’s budget choices reflect a systemic failure to prioritize equity. The $2 million spent on the adoption center, while admirable in its goals, stands in stark contrast to the lack of investment in shelters, food security, and mental health services. This disparity disproportionately affects marginalized communities, where access to housing and social services remains limited.
Councilor Robertson touched on this disparity, pointing out that the mostly white crowd advocating for the adoption center seemed disconnected from the struggles of residents in her district. Without deliberate efforts to address these inequities, Richmond risks perpetuating a cycle of neglect that leaves its poorest residents even more vulnerable.
The editorial concludes with a call to action.
Read the full article here.
the vibe:
Have a mild day RVA!
Thanks for reading. Feel free to leave a comment. Help this newsletter grow by convincing a friend to subscribe.