Social Service Outreach
A New Approach to Downtown Care
In January 2024, Venture Richmond partnered with Streetplus, the nation’s leading provider of Cleaning, Safety, Social Service Outreach and Hospitality Services downtown districts, to explore new ways of supporting those experiencing homelessness in downtown Richmond. Inspired by successful programs in cities like Reno, NV and Newark, NJ, we saw an opportunity to better connect unhoused individuals with resources, while also supporting downtown stakeholders who were experiencing more frequent interactions.
The result has been a highly impactful social service outreach program improving quality of life for both those in need and for the broader downtown community.
Meet Leon: Social Service Outreach Specialist
At the heart of this initiative is Leon Dangerfield, our Social Outreach Specialist. Leon brings lived experience, compassion, and an extraordinary ability to connect with people during their most difficult moments.
A Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with additional training in crisis intervention, Leon is known as “the Connector” a title earned from his ability to link people to services while forming genuine relationships built on trust and respect. Outside of work, Leon enjoys traveling, riding his motorcycle, spending time with friends and family, and exploring some of downtown Richmond’s best restaurants and social clubs.
Work on the Ground
Daily Outreach
Each morning, the social outreach team walks key downtown areas—most often along Broad and Grace Streets—checking in on individuals, building trust, and listening to their needs. These conversations open the door to connecting people with services and support.
Resource Navigation
Because of the team’s strong relationships with local providers, they are able to share up-to-date information on shelter and program availability and directly connect patrons with service organizations, helping reduce barriers to access.
Collaboration with Richmond Police
Two dedicated officers from the Richmond Police Department patrol the Broad Street corridor between Belvidere and 5th Streets, working hand-in-hand with the outreach team. This partnership strengthens safety and ensures coordinated care for those in need.
Impact & Community Value
In its first year, the addition of a social service outreach role has made a measurable difference downtown. Leon has connected countless unhoused individuals to vital services, while strengthening relationships with businesses, property owners, and public safety officials. His efforts have improved communication between service providers and allowed for faster, more consistent support for those seeking assistance.
Goals & Next Steps
The program has already grown to include an additional part-time outreach staff member, but the need continues to increase as more individuals arrive in Richmond from across the country. Venture Richmond and Streetplus remain committed to researching best practices, strengthening partnerships, and finding new ways to provide both immediate relief and long-term solutions.