What does healing look like for South Richmond?
Southside Richmond Center for Rest & Healing
VACV is developing a “healing hub” in South Richmond.
This project is a groundbreaking approach to holistic community healing, designed in response to the direct feedback from over 300 local neighbors, collected between 2022-2024.
Neighbors are telling us they want a space that supports both physical and mental health in a safe, inclusive environment. A design team launched in summer 2024 to define the purpose, and top programs and services to be offered there. This healing justice initiative, creates space for restoration so that individuals can reclaim their radical imagination and collective power.
Timeline
2017, The creation of a Healing Hub is a direct ask form the Neighbors in the southside, through our Intentional listening process.
2022 and 2023, we surveyed over 300 people to get input about this center and our community needs.
2023, independent feasibility study done by the Facilities Resource Center (FRC) to find suitable locations.
2024, created a design team of 20 neighbors
2025
Engaged the School Board vacancy lot committee and build relationships with elected officials
Set on the Summerhill School building (2001 Ruffin Road) as the future home of this project. After years of trying to engage the School Board about this lot, our voices are finally being heard. We have a community meeting to discuss the future of the Summerhill School site along with our elected officials on September 30th. Our vision ensures that the land continues to serve the Southside community once it is relieved from the city’s ownership—while also aligning with Richmond’s broader goals of creating climate resilience hubs.
Southside Richmond Center for Rest & Healing fact sheets
design team
In 2024, we created a design team of 20 neighbors
To identify key programing,
Engage in thought partnerships with other organizations
Conduct site visits to facilities like the well collective and dandelion health
