Vision

The southside center for rest & healing

Virginia Community Voice (VACV) is spearheading the development of the Southside Center for Rest & Healing, a dynamic community hub on Richmond’s Southside. The Center (aka “healing hub”) is more than just a building; it is a community-driven response to the pressing needs of the Southside residents to heal from historical trauma, environmental harms, and the stressors of modern life. 

This project is envisioned as a groundbreaking approach to holistic community healing, designed in response to the direct feedback from over 300 local residents who expressed a deep need for a space that supports both physical and mental health in a safe, inclusive environment. 

Why this matters

This project is envisioned as a groundbreaking approach to holistic community healing, designed in response to the direct feedback from over 300 local residents who expressed a deep need for a space that supports both physical and mental health in a safe, inclusive environment.

Key features of the center will include walking paths, community gardens, an orchard, and a food co-op, alongside affordable co-housing options, making it a comprehensive facility for health and wellness. The project's planning has been guided by extensive community input, ensuring that the services offered are culturally relevant and accessible.

The Southside Center for Well-Being is envisioned as a holistic sanctuary designed to promote health, well-being, and community cohesion. This initiative will not only transform a once underused property into a vibrant communal space but also serve as a beacon of innovation in community-led health and wellness efforts.

In 2023, a financial and property analysis was completed for VACV by the Facilities Resource Center, identifying an ideal property for this project at 2001 Ruffin Road, the site of an unused school building owned by the Richmond School Board. We are in conversations with RPS School Board and City Council members about this location, and are also exploring other properties on the Southside.

Regardless of the location, there is strong consensus that healing is needed and wanted in South Richmond.