Richmond, VA – Mayor Dwight C. Jones lifted his State of Emergency declaration for the City of Richmond at 7:46 a.m. today. As a result, the City will close the Emergency Operations Center at noon today. City government offices are operating under the liberal leave policy today. All City libraries will open from noon to 6 p.m. today, and all City Community Centers with the exception of school sites will open today from noon to 8 p.m.
“I thank all of the City employees who sacrificed time away from their families to serve the residents of Richmond in our EOC throughout this weather event. Our city received no significant damage of note, and is resuming normal operations,” said Mayor Jones. “I would like to extend our deepest thoughts and concerns to our neighbors to the north who were significantly impacted by this weather event and I am certain they have the resolve not only to respond but rebuild.”
The City will close the two Emergency Relief Shelters at Linwood Holton & Blackwell Elementary Schools at noon today. The Freedom House Conrad Center, 1400 Oliver Hill Way, will continue to serve as a day and night homeless shelter until 6 a.m. Wednesday, October 31. The city’s Cold Weather Overflow Shelter will open Wednesday night, as overnight temperatures are forecasted to remain at or below 40 degrees. The shelter is located at Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church, 14 West Duval Street. The shelter opens at 7 p.m. and closes the following morning at 6 a.m. Food will not be provided and pets are not allowed.
Homeless residents in need of overnight shelter are asked to report to Commonwealth Catholic Charities Central Intake by 5 p.m. on Wednesday for a comprehensive intake and referral to the appropriate shelter. Commonwealth Catholic Charities Central Intake is located at the Freedom House Conrad Center, 1400 Oliver Hill Way. A referral to the Cold Weather Overflow Shelter will be provided to individuals who are not eligible for an existing shelter or if all available beds have been filled.
The city’s Department of Social Services (DSS) will accept Crisis Assistance applications from November 1, 2012 through March 15, 2013, at 900 East Marshall Street, Monday through Friday; from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This program provides assistance with furnace repair or replacement and security deposits on a primary heating source. Residents may also call the Fuel Line at (804) 646-7046. DSS also provides emergency assistance with gas and electric disconnection notices for residents who qualify.
Elderly or disabled residents should contact Senior Connections for assistance at (804) 343-3000, Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For up-to-date information and additional instructions from the city of Richmond during the storm, please visit www.Richmondgov.com, follow the City on Twitter @CityRichmondVA, and stay tuned to local radio and television stations.
Courtesy of www.thebellereport.net www.twitter.com/thebellereport
