Find alternatives to calling the Richmond Police Department.
Typically, people call the police because they are experiencing or perceive an emergency and need immediate assistance. In order to provide the most effective alternatives to calling the police or 911, unless otherwise indicated, the resources included here are limited to those that offer immediate assistance through emergency or crisis services.
These resources may be obligated to call police in the case of an immediate risk of harm to the caller or another, child abuse, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Where we know or suspect that a resource may work in cooperation with law enforcement or involve them beyond what is required by law, we acknowledge that in the listing.
These resources are not intended to cover all situations, only to provide the services described. If you are in danger of immediate harm and feel safe doing so, call 911.
Housing
- VA Eviction Hotline
- Eviction defense hotline operated by Virginia Poverty Law Center.
- 1 (833) No-Evict
- https://vplc.org/advocacy/economic-justice/housing-law/
- Homeless Crisis Line
- 24-hour emergency shelter hotline connecting callers with a coalition of emergency shelters throughout the Richmond area.
- (804) 972 0813 (24/7)
LGBTQ+
- Transgender Assistance Program of Virginia
- Offers safe emergency and temporary transitional housing to homeless transgender adults in Virginia, and to help them find the additional resources they need to remove the barriers to self-sufficiency. An organization run by and for transgender people.
- (757) 563-4784
- https://tapvirginia.org/
Mental Health
Coming soon.
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- Greater Richmond Regional Helpline
- 24-Hour Helpline hosted by a coalition of local agencies that serves as first point of contact connecting domestic violence and sexual assault survivors with emergency assistance in the greater Richmond region. Direction to crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, case management, hospital-based services, and support. Free, confidential, staffed by trauma specialists.
- (804) 612-6126 (24/7)
- YWCA of Richmond
- Free comprehensive services to survivors, including emergency housing, safety planning, counseling, and referrals. Helps survivors regardless of immigration status or English language ability. Undocumented survivors have the same rights as victims of crime as U.S. citizens. Also helps connect survivors to immigration assistance when needed. Within the city of Richmond, the touchpoint for the Regional Helpline.
- (804) 612-6126 (24/7)
- https://ywcarichmond.org/
Youth
Please note, people answering these calls may be mandatory reporters, and required to make a report to CPS or law enforcement in certain situations. Learn about local mandatory reporter laws here.
Coming soon.
Elders
Coming soon.
Crime
- Richmond Community Bail Fund
- A community bail fund that provides cash bail to defendants who cannot afford to pay it.
- Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat, 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Callers outside these times can leave a message.
- (804) 601-4944 (NOT in Richmond City Jail)
- (804) 291-8520 (from within Richmond City Jail)
- https://rvabailfund.org/
Substances
Coming soon.
Please consider using these alternatives to calling the Richmond Police Department or 911 when faced with a situation that calls for de-escalation and/or intervention.
We have tried to indicate where police or law enforcement may work with the alternative resources listed; please let us know if you have any concerns about these resources.
Reimagine public safety. Don’t call the police.