Members of the Pioneer Baptist Chuch congregation. (Mado Long for the Henrico Citizen) Nestled between the Richmond International Airport and the James River in Varina lies Pioneer Baptist Church, an unassuming brick building with warm, red doors. Its members, who have remained steadfastly devoted to its fellowship for decades, beam with pride as services begin.
City Hall has rolled out a revamped plan for helping people who have no shelter.
The plan includes opening a housing resource center to better connect the homeless with housing options, expanding year-round shelter beds and providing a temporary space for people to sleep during winter, summer and heavy rains.
Selma Ross credits the people at Housing Families First for giving her the tools to help prepare to rejoin the workforce, take care of her mental health, and work towards finding a permanent home.
Terry Iguina, the Director of Operations with Housing Families First said the unique format of the shelter gives families a sense of peace and privacy they may not have found in other shelters.