Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Richmond’s Non-profit Housing Providers and Clients

May 2021

Acknowledgements

On behalf of all staff and board members of our two organizations, we want to express our awe and gratitude for the nonprofit workers and volunteers who have gone above and beyond to help Richmonders stay safely housed during this pandemic.

We also greatly appreciate all the precious time organizations’ leaders selflessly gave us for the survey and multiple interviews. Their commitment and dedication deserves tremendous praise.

Finally, this work would not have been possible without the proactive support of The Community Foundation for a greater Richmond, the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation, and the Bob and Anna Lou Schaberg Foundation. We are grateful for their continued investments to expand housing opportunities in our community.

Brian Koziol, Executive Director, Virginia Housing Alliance
Bob Adams, Executive Director, HousingForward Virginia
Jonathan Knopf, Senior Research Associate, HousingForward Virginia
Eric Mai, Research Associate, HousingForward Virginia

Table of Contents

• 01 Executive Summary
• 02 Background
  • Takeaways from the Phase 1 Report
  • The Evolving Pandemic
  • Federal and State Responses
• 03 Methods
  • Part 1: Comprehensive Survey
  • Part 2: Follow-up Interviews
• 04 Findings
  • Mission, Programs and Workflows
  • Workforce and Payroll
  • Financial Concerns
  • Client and Organizational Health
• 05 Recommendations
  • Organizational Support Strategies
  • Operational and Program Support Strategies