Who We Are
OUR MISSION
OUR PURPOSE
OUR VISION
OUR VALUES
Innovation
Integrity
Passion
Servant Leadership
Achievement
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.