April 24, 2025
Contact: Debra Freeman, [email protected], 757-452-1143
NVM and Allies Hold Press Conference to Urge Richmond City Council to Allocate Additional Funding to the Family Crisis Fund
Richmond, Va. - On April 28 at 5 p.m., New Virginia Majority will hold a press conference with community members at Richmond City Hall (900 East Broad Street) to urge Richmond City Council members to add additional funding to the Family Crisis Fund.
The Family Crisis Fund provides financial assistance to Richmond residents experiencing financial hardship, particularly those who have exhausted other resources, and the fund's eligibility was recently expanded to include assistance for those impacted by the recent water crisis in the city.
Richmond had some of the highest rates of eviction judgements in the United States, with 13,000 filings last year. 52% of renters pay more than 30% of their income on housing, which is more than in cities such as New York or San Francisco.
"The Family Crisis Fund has been a critical resource, helping nearly 900 households in the past year with 78% of that aid going directly to housing costs. But this year's budget only allocates 1 million. We ask the city to expand that support by $9 million to meet the scale of this housing crisis,” said Becky Sullivan, 9th district resident.
"As the budget cycle nears its end, New Virginia Majority has collaborated with the community and allied organizations who are deeply concerned about Richmond's current housing crisis. We are calling on the city to significantly increase the allocation to the Family Crisis Fund. We hope the city council, along with the Mayor, will honor their commitment to the people of Richmond by adequately increasing the fund. Richmond families are struggling and need assurance that their city officials will stand by their word and ensure it is reflected in the city budget," said Peter Finn.
To speak with an NVM organizer or to speak with a member, contact Debra Freeman at [email protected] or 757-452-1143.
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New Virginia Majority builds power in working-class communities of color, in immigrant communities, among LGBTQ people, women, youth, and progressives across the Commonwealth. We fight for a Virginia that is just, democratic and environmentally sustainable. For more information, visit our website and follow us on Twitter and Facebook at @NewVAMajority.