Who We Are
OUR MISSION
OUR PURPOSE
OUR VISION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CARITAS has created a safe space to heal and time to rebuild for 40 years. We fill gaps in the community and serve our most vulnerable neighbors, including individuals struggling with substance use disorder and experiencing homelessness. Learn more about our work below!
What services does CARITAS provide?
For homeless services, CARITAS operates an emergency shelter as part of the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care network and a seasonal shelter during winter months.
For our recovery programs, CARITAS offers a comprehensive and compassionate pathway toward recovery:
- Safe off the Streets Sobering Center – 24/7 on-demand access
- Residential Recovery Program (The Healing Place) – 225 beds, no cost to participants, no referral needed, led by peers
- CARITAS Works – Workforce Development uniquely designed for those with high barriers to employment
- Recovery Housing – 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments in a sober living community
- Alumni Association – ongoing connectivity for sustaining life in recovery
How much does CARITAS charge for these services?
Residential recovery services are offered free for everyone. We do not require or bill private insurance or Medicaid. We welcome anyone who is pursuing life in recovery.
How does CARITAS pay for recovery programs?
CARITAS supports its recovery services – The Healing Place, CARITAS Works, and the Recovery Residences – primarily through fundraising and private donations. CARITAS receives small quantities of public money through grants and other funding. We are committed to removing financial barriers and offer our residential recovery services at no charge.
Who is eligible for CARITAS’ recovery programs?
CARITAS welcomes anyone who is pursuing a life in recovery and doesn’t charge any fees for The Healing Place recovery program. As part of our mission, we are particularly focused on serving individuals most at risk, such as those with limited-to-no income, experiencing homelessness, underserved, or uninsured. In 2025, CARITAS served 380+ men and 175+ women through recovery programs as well as provided 144,000+ hours of recovery education.
Where do participants come from?
The majority of participants had their last known address in the Greater Richmond region, although individuals from many communities across Virginia and beyond have participated in The Healing Place recovery program. CARITAS doesn’t have geographic restrictions and participants can come from anywhere.
How does someone access these programs?
Recovery for Men
Call (804) 230-1184 or walk in at The Healing Place for Men – 700 Dinwiddie Avenue, Richmond, VA 23224
Recovery for Women
Call (804) 418-3049 or walk in at The Healing Place for Women – 2220 Stockton Street, Richmond, VA 23224
Emergency Shelter
For access to CARITAS’ emergency shelter, please contact the Homeless Connection Line at 804-972-0813.
Our History
A glance at CARITAS over the years, where we’ve been and where we are today.
1980s – CARITAS SHELTER IS BORN
CARITAS began in the early 1980s as “Winter Cots,” a volunteer effort responding to a rise in regional homelessness. Local faith communities partnered with Emergency Shelter, Inc. to provide temporary shelter in downtown churches and synagogues. In 1987, CARITAS was officially established, evolving into a year-round shelter supported by congregations citywide.
1990s – EXPANDED SUPPORT WITH CASE MANAGEMENT
In 1996, CARITAS launched Family Focus, the only local shelter program at the time serving large families, fathers with children, and adolescent boys. Volunteers provided meals, and downtown congregations opened day shelter spaces.
2000s – PERMANENT HOME AND EXPANDED SERVICES
CARITAS opened its first permanent office in Northside Richmond in 2006, housing administrative and case management services.
• 2005 – The Healing Place (THP) was brought to Richmond to address homelessness and addiction, modeled after a successful program in Louisville, KY. It became an official CARITAS program in 2012.
• 2008 – CARITAS acquired the Furniture Bank, providing furnishings to individuals transitioning from homelessness and/or crisis.
2010s – WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH
CARITAS opened its first permanent office in Northside Richmond in 2006, housing administrative and case management services.
• 2011 – CARITAS launched the Works program to provide career training and job placement for individuals facing employment barriers.
• 2019 – Construction began on the CARITAS Center.
2020s – PERMANENT HOME AND EXPANDED SERVICES
CARITAS opened its first permanent office in Northside Richmond in 2006, housing administrative and case management services.
• 2020 – The CARITAS Center opens, creating a permanent Women’s Emergency Shelter, launching The Healing Place for Women, adding 47 Recovery Residences, and centralizing operations.
• 2024 – After nearly two decades of use, renovations begin at the Men’s campus at 700 Dinwiddie Avenue, which includes vital updates to the bathrooms, laundry, roof, HVAC, electrical systems, flooring, lighting, and more.
Meet Our Team
Our story is still being written—by the dedicated hearts and hands who bring our mission to life each day. Get to know part of the team driving our work.