Madison County approves one-time funding to support Haven of Hope shelter and One Stop referral hub

Madison County’s Fiscal Court voted to provide one-time funding to two Richmond-area social-service efforts, agreeing to split costs the city requested for the Haven of Hope homeless shelter and the One Stop Resource & Referral Hub.

The court approved resolution 2026-062 to contribute $22,500 — half of a $45,000 annual lease obligation for the Haven of Hope facility — and resolution 2026-063 to appropriate $163,598.96 (50%) of a $327,197.92 operational shortfall for the One Stop hub for FY2027. Both measures passed on roll-call votes.

Monica Barnes, the Haven of Hope founder and executive director, told magistrates the shelter opened Dec. 19 at 301 Steep Street, is 100% volunteer-run and supported by local churches and donations, and has sheltered 182 unique individuals to date. She described shelter hours (evening opening, morning departure), safety checks (warrant checks for guests) and a constraint that the program cannot accept registered sex offenders because of proximity to a nearby kindergarten.

Jill and other officials said the One Stop hub had received state funding for later years but faces an FY27 gap; the City of Richmond requested a 50/50 split. Officials noted the county does not currently have a specific line in the FY27 budget for this expense and that funding would come from reserves if the court moves forward. Supporters emphasized data showing the hub’s referrals reduce costs elsewhere (jail, emergency services) and urged the county to partner to maintain services.

The judge authorized the judge executive (or designee) to execute agreements necessary to implement the funding partnerships.