Richmond BZA approves Rock Solid Ministries' Belcher House after heated public comment

The Richmond Board of Zoning Appeals approved Feb. 11 a variance allowing Rock Solid Ministries to operate a rescue-station/homeless shelter for men on the second floor at 1024 East Main Street, to be called Belcher House.

David Eels, representing Rock Solid Ministries, described a transitional program built on an existing Next Step model and said the second-floor space would accommodate up to 14 men using bunk beds and cots. "We can hold 14 men," Eels said when asked about capacity, and added that residents would be asked to obtain identification while in the program. He said active drug or alcohol users would not be admitted to Belcher House and that the organization coordinates with police to address incidents.

Planning staff recommended approval after consulting city departments and utilities, reporting no public-health or safety objections and noting the property's historical residential use and consistency with Richmond’s comprehensive plan. Staff also reported the record included one mailed comment in favor and two opposed.

Business owners and residents urged the board to reject the variance, arguing a rescue station in the retail core would worsen theft, vandalism, aggressive panhandling and other public-safety issues that already affect downtown commerce. Mike Schaney, who identified himself as a downtown property owner and operator, said business has declined and described incidents he attributes to street activity. "We've had all this infrastructure work... We've seen our business drop over the last 5 years. It's dropped almost 50%," Schaney said, adding he had to replace a plate-glass window after an incident he linked to people congregating nearby.

Angel Nunez, who said they have worked near Refuge of Hope and Rock Solid Ministries for nearly a decade, described increased theft, litter and discarded needles in planters, and warned that a shelter in the commercial district would harm efforts to attract new restaurants and shops.

Eels answered questions about mitigation and operations: opening would take time because of fundraising and required state design release, he said, and the shelter would be tucked inside the building with no outward signage change. He said staff meet regularly with police and that the ministry acts to de-escalate incidents and keeps cameras on the property.

After board members discussed the competing concerns—economic vitality of the downtown versus the need for transitional housing—the board voted 3 to 2 to approve BZA 8-2026 based on staff findings. The record does not include a specific opening date; petitioner said the facility will require additional funding and approvals before beginning operations.

The variance allows a rescue-station/homeless shelter for men on the second floor at 1024 E. Main Street (Belcher House). The board advised parties to follow the usual permitting and design review processes before occupancy.