Board discusses regional "Guest" shelter and possible local support ahead of FY27 budget

County staff introduced the Gloucester United 'Guest' shelter program to the Richmond County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 8, describing it as a regional effort that provides a winter night shelter, a day shelter with food, showers and case management, and motel-room placements for people who otherwise have no shelter during cold months.

Staff said the Guest program is a multi-county partnership among 10 Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck localities and noted that county-level support may be required during the FY27 budget process. The board asked several procedural and substantive questions: whether the program meets the federal definition of homelessness for placement and funding eligibility; whether people placed at Gloucester would be able to return to Richmond County; how the program has been used by the county’s social services office; and whether local residents would benefit directly.

Social Services staff said Richmond County has used the service in the past, that motel rooms are sometimes covered for short-term placements, and that day-shelter services (showers, laundry, casework) may be available. Board members expressed interest in more detail before committing funds and asked staff to invite Linda Hodges, identified in the program letter as the Guest chair, to the next meeting to answer operational questions.

The discussion ended with a plan to schedule follow-up: staff will invite the Guest chair and prepare information on eligibility definitions, transportation and the program’s expected impact on Richmond County residents.