Feb. 3 Newsletter: Helping homeless veterans

Weather: Almost time to break out the shorts; high of 65.

On this date in 1956, police search for three inmates who escaped the city jail. The cell block had 28 beds, but was housing 44 inmates, and the overcrowding was cited as a factor in the inmates' escape. The prisoners without beds slept on the floor.

South Richmond nonprofit has helped hundreds of veterans who need housing

Liberation Veteran Services (LVS), a local supportive housing program that helps homeless veterans, has served 747 vets during its 12-year history.

The program's leaders boast that 86% were able to live independently for at least 12 months after leaving. Tracking ends after a year, though vets can always return for help if they need it.

Now the group is building a new, $10.6 million facility called Veterans Village.

The building will include micro-apartments for every veteran, so each will have a private bedroom and bathroom. The community building next door will house a kitchen, dining hall, meeting spaces and offices. Construction is scheduled to go through November.

Read more on the group here.

After squashing Spiders, VCU enters home stretch well positioned

It's looking like a lonely dance floor in Virginia this March, as the commonwealth's basketball teams have been largely unremarkable this season.

The exception has been VCU, which provided an emphatic statement in a 90-49 victory over the rival Richmond Spiders, as the Rams students chanted "We are Richmond" in the final minutes of the blowout.

See what VCU has to do to make the NCAA tournament, and why another state school might come calling for the Rams' coach, here.

Also today in The Richmonder

Miyares told VCU to stop ‘mutilation’ of minors after Trump order on transgender care

“Given the plain terms of this Executive Order, the chemical and surgical mutilation of children must end immediately.”

The RichmonderGraham Moomaw

Water outage relief fund will start with about $650,000 in city money

City officials have said they’re unclear on the size of the need for financial aid after the water emergency.

The RichmonderGraham Moomaw

On faith and values: Breaking into my own house

I lost a bit of faith in our neighborhood watch program one night a while back, and I say this despite the fact that I’m an alleged block captain of said watch.

The RichmonderTom Allen

Donor Q&A: What’s on your mind?

Send us your best questions about Richmond.

The RichmonderRichmonder Staff

In other news

• Bill that would require referendum for Henrico gaming facility, or force it to cede revenue, advances (Henrico Citizen)
• Owner of burned-down Lakeside burger joint beats arson charge after 2-day jury trial (BizSense)
• ‘Portals’ exhibition on display in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom for Black History Month (8 News)

The editor's desk

I guess somebody started a rumor last week that I turned 40. I don't feel old (yet) but apparently it's true. The celebrating part was easy: We had drinks at the VMFA, then tacos from The Veil, followed by chocolate chip cookies. Does any of that go together? Probably not. But it was my birthday.

Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org

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