Richmond’s rental market has tightened significantly over the past several years, and eviction filings in the city have remained among the highest per capita in Virginia. For residents in Richmond City, Henrico County, or Chesterfield County facing job loss, medical expenses, or unexpected financial crisis, faith-based organizations and church networks are frequently the first and most accessible source of emergency rental assistance.
Before calling individual programs, dial 2-1-1 — Virginia’s statewide social services helpline available 24/7. It connects you to current information on which programs have available funding in your zip code and can help initiate referrals to coordinated assistance programs including Commonwealth Catholic Charities.
How Emergency Rent Assistance Works in Richmond
Most faith-based rental assistance in Richmond follows a standard process:
- Referral or screening call often required first — CCC and other large programs screen applicants by phone before scheduling appointments
- Payments go directly to landlords — organizations write checks to your landlord, not to you
- One-time or limited annual help — most programs assist once per year or once per crisis
- Documentation required — photo ID, lease, eviction or past-due notice, proof of income
- Apply to multiple programs simultaneously — funds at each organization are limited and fluctuate month to month
1. Commonwealth Catholic Charities (CCC) — Homeless Prevention Program
The largest faith-based emergency rent assistance provider in Greater Richmond.
Commonwealth Catholic Charities has served the Richmond community since 1923. Their Homeless Prevention Program assists individuals and families in the Greater Richmond area who, without assistance, would become homeless — covering rent, utilities, and providing supportive services to help participants stabilize and build longer-term stability.
Priority is given to low-income families with children, veterans, and elderly residents.
How to access: Do not go directly to the office — call the Homeless Point of Entry Program first to be screened for eligibility:
Screening phone: 804-648-4177 Office address: 1512 Willow Lawn Drive, Richmond, VA 23230 Office phone: 804-285-5900 Office hours: Monday & Thursday 9:30am–11:30am; Tuesday 1:00pm–3:00pm Website: cccofva.org
CCC also operates a Housing Resource Center in Richmond providing supportive housing, case management, and services for young adults ages 18–24 experiencing housing insecurity.
Documents to bring to your appointment: Two photo IDs or birth certificate; letters from any referring agency; children’s Social Security cards (for families); documentation of homelessness (eviction notice, past-due statement, etc.).
If you’re navigating both rent instability and a need for longer-term housing, our guide to low-income senior housing with no waiting list covers additional paths to stable housing in Virginia.
2. Salvation Army — Central Virginia Area Command
Emergency rental assistance for Richmond City and Henrico County residents.
The Salvation Army of Central Virginia provides emergency financial assistance — including rent help — to residents of Richmond City and Henrico County. Their Central Virginia Assistance Center (CVAC) handles rental assistance applications online.
Important eligibility rules confirmed:
- Rent must be at least one month overdue
- Any late fees and other fees must be paid before funds are released
- Does not assist with security deposits, move-in expenses, or hotel fees
How to apply:
- Visit cvac.salvationarmypotomac.org
- Click the “Get Help” button at the top of the page
- Select the button for your location (Richmond City or Henrico County)
Richmond location: Visit the Salvation Army downtown Richmond office or apply through the CVAC website Phone: Check cvac.salvationarmypotomac.org for current intake hours
For a full overview of what the Salvation Army provides nationally and how their assistance process works, see our Salvation Army rental assistance guide.
3. Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Richmond (SVdP RVA)
Parish-based emergency financial assistance and food pantry across the Richmond Diocese.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul operates through local parish Conferences throughout the Richmond Diocese, providing emergency financial assistance including rent and utility help to neighbors in need — regardless of religious affiliation.
Assistance Line: 804-527-1037 ext. 131 Website: svdp-rva.org
Contact the SVdP assistance line to be connected with the Conference serving your address. As with SVdP programs nationally, assistance is geographically assigned to the parish territory where you live — the assistance line will identify the correct Conference for your zip code.
4. Housing Resource Line (HRL) — PHARVA
Financial assistance, housing counseling, and legal support for Richmond residents.
The Housing Resource Line (HRL), operated through PHARVA (Partnership for Housing and Community Development), provides financial assistance, housing counseling, emergency assistance, foreclosure prevention, legal support, help locating rental options, and home repairs.
Phone: 804-422-5061 Website: pharva.com/housing-hotline/
Important: The HRL is not intended to serve residents who are currently experiencing homelessness or are in danger of immediate homelessness. If you are already homeless or facing imminent eviction, contact Commonwealth Catholic Charities (804-648-4177) or dial 2-1-1 first. For residents who need stable housing quickly, our Section 8 housing vouchers guide explains how to apply for long-term subsidized housing in Virginia.
5. CARITAS Richmond
Transitional housing, shelter, and connection to rental assistance through church partners.
CARITAS (Congregations Around Richmond Involved to Assure Shelter) provides effective, permanent solutions to individuals and families dealing with homelessness and/or addiction in Metro Richmond. CARITAS works closely with local churches and connects clients to rental assistance resources through its partner network.
Services include: Transitional housing, shelter, case management, connection to rental assistance programs through church partners Website: caritasva.org
6. HOME of Virginia (Housing Opportunities Made Equal)
Free housing counseling, eviction prevention, and financial assistance.
HOME of Virginia works to prevent homelessness and eviction through free housing counseling, financial assistance, and advocacy. Priority focus on low-income households facing housing instability.
Website: homeofva.org Services: Free rent and housing counseling, financial assistance, eviction prevention, housing discrimination assistance
7. First Baptist Church of Richmond
Community assistance program including emergency rental help.
First Baptist Church of Richmond provides community outreach programs including rental assistance for residents facing financial hardship. The church serves the broader Richmond community regardless of membership.
Phone: (804) 355-8637 How to access: Call the church office directly for current availability and appointment scheduling
8. Mt. Gilead Full Life Community Church
Emergency rent assistance — especially for single parents and seniors.
Mt. Gilead provides emergency rent assistance during financial crises, with a focus on single parents and seniors. The church also operates community programs that may connect residents to additional support.
Address: 2501 Mt. Gilead Blvd, Richmond, VA 23235
9. Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions
Monthly financial assistance for northeast Henrico County zip codes.
For residents in the 23111 and 23116 zip codes (Mechanicsville area), this multi-church emergency assistance program provides financial aid, food, clothing, and hygiene items on a monthly basis.
Address: 7235 Stonewall Pkwy, Mechanicsville, VA Zip codes served: 23111, 23116 Frequency: Clients may visit monthly
10. Virginia Supportive Housing
Affordable housing and case management for formerly homeless individuals.
Virginia Supportive Housing provides permanent supportive housing with case management and counseling for individuals and families with histories of homelessness. This is a longer-term housing resource rather than emergency rental assistance.
Phone: 804-788-6825 Website: virginiasupportivehousing.org
For individuals who need both immediate rental assistance and longer-term housing stability, pairing a church emergency assistance application with a Virginia Supportive Housing referral gives the best coverage of both immediate and longer-term needs. Our guide to senior apartments for $300 a month explains how income-based housing programs work for elderly residents across Virginia.
What to Bring to Any Rent Assistance Appointment in Richmond
- Two forms of photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
- Birth certificates for all children in the household
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Current lease or rental agreement
- Eviction notice, 3-day notice, or past-due rent statement from your landlord
- Proof of all household income (pay stubs, SSI/SSDI letter, SNAP award letter, unemployment documentation)
- Most recent utility bills
- Landlord’s full name, mailing address, and phone number
- Any referral letters from agencies, caseworkers, or social workers
Additional Resources for Rent Help in Richmond
2-1-1 Virginia: Dial 2-1-1 or visit search.211virginia.org — the statewide social services helpline is the fastest way to identify currently funded programs in your zip code.
Homeward VA: homewardva.org — Richmond’s coordinated homeless services system; the primary hub connecting homeless and at-risk residents to the right resources across the region.
Richmond Eviction Diversion Program: Helps residents achieve housing stability through financial assistance to pay back rent. Requires participation of both the tenant and the landlord — ask your landlord to participate when you contact the program.
Virginia Legal Aid Society: Free legal representation for tenants facing eviction in the Richmond area. Call 804-648-1012 or visit vlasg.org.
Henrico County Department of Social Services: 8600 Dixon Powers Drive, Henrico, VA 23228; (804) 501-4001 — administers TANF and other assistance programs for Henrico County residents. If your household includes children and you haven’t applied for SNAP, our Virginia SNAP eligibility guide can help you check income limits and start an application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What churches help with rent in Richmond, VA?
The major faith-based organizations providing emergency rent assistance in Richmond include Commonwealth Catholic Charities (call 804-648-4177 for intake screening), the Salvation Army Central Virginia (cvac.salvationarmypotomac.org), the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Richmond (804-527-1037 ext. 131), CARITAS Richmond (caritasva.org), First Baptist Church of Richmond (804-355-8637), and Mt. Gilead Full Life Community Church (2501 Mt. Gilead Blvd).
How do I get emergency rent help in Richmond fast?
Call the Homeless Point of Entry Program at 804-648-4177 — this is Commonwealth Catholic Charities’ intake line and the fastest path to coordinated emergency assistance in Richmond. Also dial 2-1-1 to identify all currently funded programs in your zip code. Apply to multiple programs simultaneously: CCC, SVdP (804-527-1037 ext. 131), and the Salvation Army CVAC portal concurrently.
Does Commonwealth Catholic Charities help with rent in Richmond?
Yes. CCC’s Homeless Prevention Program assists individuals and families who would otherwise become homeless, covering rent and utilities and providing supportive services. Call 804-648-4177 first to be screened for eligibility before visiting the office at 1512 Willow Lawn Drive. Priority is given to low-income families with children, veterans, and elderly residents.
Does the Salvation Army help with rent in Richmond?
Yes. The Salvation Army Central Virginia Area Command provides rent assistance to residents of Richmond City and Henrico County. Rent must be at least one month overdue. Late fees must be paid before funds are released. Apply online at cvac.salvationarmypotomac.org — click “Get Help” and select your location.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Freefurniturevouchers.com is not affiliated with any church, organization, or government program listed. Program availability, funding, eligibility requirements, and contact information change frequently. Always call ahead before visiting. The Homeless Prevention Program intake number (804-648-4177) and Salvation Army CVAC website are confirmed from current Virginia Navigator and official sources. Dial 2-1-1 for the most current information on available programs in your zip code.