Our History

It was Thanksgiving of 1986. My freezer was stuffed with three turkeys my family had received from various businesses. I was delighted to hear a minister announce on TV that he was in desperate need of food for a Thanksgiving meal he was trying to prepare for the homeless. What a great way to get rid of those turkeys.   More>>

Letter From the Chairman of the Board

Greetings and welcome to the Richmond Friends of the Homeless website. We're glad you have an interest in our organization and hope you find the information you are looking for. If not, please feel free to call us at (804)275-5866.

This organization was founded in 1986 by our executive director and founder, Shawnee Hansen, to strengthen and enrich the community life of the underprivileged and homeless in the Richmond area. It has truly been an amazing journey with countless volunteers, churches, and businesses giving from the heart. What started with a few bag lunches served from a church parking lot has grown to a well organized feeding program with an annual budget in excess of $1,000,000. I am constantly amazed at the selflessness of our volunteers and the provision of God.

We now serve over 2,000 meals a week. For many, this is the only nutritious meal they get for the day. But, there is a whole lot more to Richmond Friends of the Homeless then serving hot meals. Please take some time to browse our website and read about all the other services we provide, especially for the children. We truly are "hope for the hopeless" when it comes to the kids we serve. Many children are able to experience for the first time things our children take for granted like going to the movies, playing putt-putt golf, or even going through a car wash. The smiles and handwritten thank you notes we get in return are things we will treasure forever.

There are many opportunities to get involved with Richmond Friends of the Homeless. We need volunteers to serve on our various committees like fundraising, public relations, programs, and grants. We need volunteer groups to coordinate the preparation and serving of meals on a monthly basis. We need volunteers to help with our fundraising events. We need volunteers to help with our children's programs. We gratefully and humbly accept donations of items listed on our "Chalk Board". These are items we are always in need of. Our "Chalk Board" can be found in our newsletter, a copy of which is posted on this website.

We are continually expanding our programs as opportunities to minister arise. Therefore, your monetary donations are extremely important to our organization, and we take very seriously our commitment to use them in a responsible and efficient way. We are a 501(c)3 organization and your donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

The board of Richmond Friends of the Homeless is comprised of people who have no other motive than to make the lives of the people we serve better. I am humbled, yet proud, to be part of an organization with such a heart for others. I sincerely hope you will consider partnering with us in whatever way you feel led. I pray God will bless you and your family as He uses you to make a difference in this world. Many blessings,

Sheldon Drake

Board Chairman, Richmond Friends of the Homeless

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